O impacto da religiosidade na depressão em mulheres que vivenciaram uma perda gestacional ou infantil.

Abstract

Pregnancy is a period of intense emotional connection for women, involving bonding and expectations about the baby. However, unexpected events such as fetal death interrupt this planning, outlining a tragedy that can lead to complicated grief and depressive symptoms. After a pregnancy or infant loss, women face emotional challenges, taking on the management of their emotions amid a lack of recognition of their grief and a lack of space to express it. In this way, the experience of mourning emerges as a natural and expected affective response, becoming a unique and complex process. Studies indicate that religiosity can be an important resource in coping with bereavement, providing comfort, reconstruction and a new meaning to life. However, the way in which these beliefs are experienced and interpreted can vary, influencing mental health positively or negatively. Objective: To analyze the influence of sociodemographic variables and religiosity/spirituality on symptoms of depression in women who have experienced gestational or infant loss. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out with 71 women participating in online perinatal bereavement support groups, using platforms such as Google Meet, WhatsApp, E-mail and Instagram. The following questionnaires were administered: Sociodemographic and clinical characterization questionnaire; Duke University Religiosity Index, Spiritual-Religious Coping Scale and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. The simultaneous influence of all the variables was analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results: The sample consisted of 71 women, of whom 52 (73.2%) had a gestational loss and 19 (26.8%) an infant loss. According to the EPDS classification criteria, 50 women (70.4%) had a score compatible with probable postpartum depression. The length of time since the loss was an important predictor of depression, with higher scores associated with earlier losses. Organizational religiosity had a significant effect on reducing symptoms of depression, and may function as a protective factor. Negative religious coping, on the other hand, was correlated with an increase in depression scores, highlighting the psychological impact of the negative use of religion as a coping mechanism. Conclusion: Empathetic communication and family and social support are fundamental in overcoming bereavement, while the lack of preparation on the part of health professionals can aggravate the suffering of bereaved families. Understanding the role of religion and social support is essential for creating effective interventions for the emotional recovery of bereaved women, promoting more comprehensive care that mobilizes respect and empathy in the face of the diversity of experiences and coping strategies.