The Moderating Role Of Emotional Cushioning Between the Grief Intensity of Perinatal Loss and Relationship Satisfaction Among Women

Mollie C DiTullio, Purdue University

Abstract

The current research study aimed to determine how emotional cushioning buffered the relationship between grief intensity related to experiencing perinatal loss and relationship satisfaction among women who have experienced pregnancy after loss. There is currently little research that examines the relationship between emotional cushioning, grief intensity relating to perinatal loss, and women’s interpersonal relationships. It was hypothesized that higher levels of grief intensity related to perinatal loss would be negatively associated with relationship satisfaction among women who have experienced a subsequent pregnancy after loss. Additionally, it was hypothesized that higher levels of emotional cushioning would lessen the negative relationship between grief intensity of perinatal loss and relationship satisfaction among women who have experienced a subsequent pregnancy after loss. Through the use of a hierarchical linear regression, it was determined that grief intensity was not significantly associated with relationship satisfaction and that emotional cushioning did not serve as a buffer in the relationship between grief intensity and relationship satisfaction. However, a significant correlation was found between emotional cushioning and relationship satisfaction. The results of this study can help contribute to the literature in systemic approaches to experiences with emotional cushioning, perinatal loss, subsequent pregnancies, and relationship satisfaction.

Degree

M.Sc.

Advisors

Edwards, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Clinical psychology|Mental health|Psychology|Public health

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