Parents’ perceptions of their children’s behavior following the perinatal death of a sibling: A qualitative interview study

Perinatal death can have adverse health outcomes for parents and extended family, including siblings. Most perinatal death research focuses on parental impacts; little is known about the impact on siblings. We explored parents' perceptions of their children's behavior following the perinatal death of a sibling. Seven parents (five females and two males) participated in semi-structured interviews. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we developed six themes: 1) Noticeable heightened emotions; 2) Visible expression of anger; 3) Observable social withdrawal and isolation; 4) Evident fear and anxiety; 5) Behavioral regression across multiple domains; and 6) Seeking and maintaining connection to siblings. Our findings suggest a need for increased education and support for families. Along with incorporating grief education into the school curriculum, increased education for healthcare professionals may support person-centered care and increased awareness and recognition of sibling grief.