“You’ve gotta be a man and be strong”: fathers’ experiences of perinatal loss in the Pakistani community

Harrison, Rebekka (2024). “You’ve gotta be a man and be strong”: fathers’ experiences of perinatal loss in the Pakistani community. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

The literature review includes a meta-analysis of the prevalence rates of Postnatal Depression (PND) in Black ethnic groups compared to White ethnic groups. A systematic search found 27 articles up to April 2023, reporting prevalence rate data. The prevalence rate of PND was 15% in Black ethnic groups. The relative risk of PND in Black ethnic groups compared to White ethnic groups was higher at 1.29. The measure used for PND, country of recruitment and ethnic subtype are significant factors in these estimations. There appears to be no difference in prevalence rate of PND between Black ethnic groups and the global population. However, further research is needed to determine the suitability of PND measures alongside increased research with more Black ethnic subgroups.

The empirical paper is a qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis study exploring Pakistani father’s experiences of perinatal loss. Five men who had experienced perinatal loss took part in semi-structured interviews. Three Group Experiential Themes were identified – ‘A rollercoaster of emotions: from shock and distress to having hope’, ‘The hidden experience of baby loss as a Muslim man’, and ‘The felt stigma of baby loss in the Muslim community’. Findings suggest that perinatal loss results in ever-changing emotions for men. Perinatal loss was perceived as taboo, and the men wanted to be viewed as strong, meaning their emotional responses were often masked. Further research is necessary to consider how different experiences of perinatal loss (e.g. time since loss) may influence how men interpret their experiences of loss.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):