A Qualitative Study of a Couple Experiencing Reproductive Trauma: An Attachment Perspective through a Duoethnography

Within the academic literature, no ethnographies exist describing reproductive trauma and its effects on couples directly. The purpose of our study is to engage in a duoethnography and examine our own road to secure attachment amidst reproductive trauma. We analyzed 8,478 words of our personal journals, documented intentionally for this study. Thematic analysis revealed that our unprocessed emotions led to decreased empathy, thus enacting avoidant-insecure attachment. However, engaging in empathic communications and spiritual connection enabled more secure couple attachment for us. We propose emotion-focused couples therapy as a best-practice approach for therapists working with couples experiencing reproductive trauma. Clinical implications will be discussed.