The relationship between grief and psychological resilience and perceived social support in women who have experienced perinatal loss

Aim: The study was conducted to examine the relationship between social support, psychological resilience and perinatal grief levels in women who experienced perinatal loss; and to evaluate the indirect effect of social support on perinatal grief through psychological resilience. Material and Method: This descriptive and design study was conducted with 325 women with a history of perinatal loss who applied to the Malatya Maternity and Children's Hospital Diseases and Obstetrics Outpatient Clinics between December 2023 and May 2025. Demographic Information Form, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, Psychological Resilience Scale and Perinatal Grief Scale were used as data collection tools. Results: As a result of the research, a negative significant relationship was found between social support and perinatal grief levels (p<0.001). It was also found that the level of psychological resilience was negatively related to perinatal grief (p<0.001). It was observed that psychological resilience played a significant mediating role in the effect of social support on perinatal grief. The model showed that social support and psychological resilience variables together significantly predicted perinatal grief levels. Conclusion: Social support and psychological resilience are important protective factors in the grieving process of women who have experienced perinatal loss. The integration of psychoeducational and psychosocial intervention programs aimed at increasing social support and improving psychological resilience can support the psychological well-being of these women. The findings provide guidance for health professionals and contribute to individualized care approaches. Key Words: Perinatal Loss, Mourning, Psychological Resilience, Social Support, Midwifery