title: [Miscarriage and feelings of guilt: a qualitative study].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Desptite medical and scientific advances in the field of obstetrics, psychological trauma following a miscarriage may result in feelings of guilt. The objective of this research was an in-depth examination of the different expressions of feelings of guilt, and the factors, which are associated, and their consequencies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-one semi-directive interviews were transcribed and analysed to study themes associated with guilt.
  
  
  RESULTS
  About one third of women question themselves and interpret some level of personal responsibility for their miscarriage. Many women evoke psychological causes of miscarriage. In all cases, guilt is expressed more or less directly. The lack of medical explanations for miscarriage is particularly difficult for women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the current study underline the importance for careful consideration of any expressed feelings of guilt by women experiencing miscarriage; increasing basic medical information and providing overall psychoeducational support can help women better understand their experience and perhaps avoid excessive feelings of responsibility.
authors.affiliation: Octogone-CERPP, université de Toulouse II-Le Mirail, 5 allées Antonio-Machado, Toulouse, France. natalene.sejourne@laposte.net
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Séjourné
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Callahan
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chabrol
mesh_terms: D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult