A salutogenic perspective of wellness: a comparative study of those with and without miscarriage

Abstract

Background The main aim was to explore the effect of miscarriage on women’s psychological wellness using a salutogenic perspective (Antonovsky, 1987). Levels of anxiety, depression and wellbeing were compared across women who experienced miscarriage and a comparative group of matched women who had not. Potential moderators of psychological wellness (perceived social support, health locus of control, resilience and coping style) were identified and explored across each group. Method Participants (N= 137, 66 in the Miscarriage Group, 71 in the Comparative Group) completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Zigmond and Snaith 1983; Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (Tennant et al. 2007); Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al. 1988); Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (Wallston et al. 1978); Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor and Davidson 2003) and Coping Style Questionnaire (Endler and Parker 1990). Differences in the levels of depression, anxiety and wellbeing were analysed by independent samples t-tests, and the effects of the moderators were analysed by Pearson or Spearman correlations. Results The Comparative Group had significantly lower levels of anxiety (p‹0.05), depression (p‹0.01) and higher wellbeing (p‹0.01) than the Miscarriage Group. Of the proposed moderators; internal health locus of control, perceived social support (of significant other and family), resilience, and positive coping strategies were significantly associated with psychological wellness. Conclusion Findings indicate that the comparative group have higher levels of psychological wellness; positive factors that predict enhanced wellness across both groups were also identified. These have implications for developing future interventions offered to women who miscarry.