Couple distress after sudden infant or perinatal death: a 30-month follow up.
OBJECTIVE
To examine, using a 30-month prospective study, patterns of anxiety, depression and alcohol use in couples following stillbirth, neonatal death or sudden infant death syndrome.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-eight bereaved and 156 non-bereaved couples completed standardized interviews at 2, 8, 15 and 30 months post-loss.


RESULTS
At all interviews, bereaved couples were significantly more likely than non-bereaved couples to have at least one distressed partner. Rarely were both partners distressed in either group. For bereaved couples, 'mother only' distress declined from 21% to 10% during the study. 'Father only' distress ranged from 7% to 15%, peaking at 30 months. Bereaved mothers who were distressed at 2 months reported significantly lower marital satisfaction at 30 months.


CONCLUSIONS
At the couple level, the experience of a baby's death is multifaceted. Gender differences are common and partners' needs may change over time. Early recognition of these differences may facilitate longer-term adjustment for both partners.
Vance
J C
JC
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
Boyle
F M
FM
Najman
J M
JM
Thearle
M J
MJ
D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D001601:Bereavement; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D013398:Sudden Infant Death