Kalinić, A 
ORCID: 0009-0001-0179-0660, Payne, E ORCID: 0009-0001-6214-6641, Oza, M ORCID: 0000-0002-2180-7896, Burgess, K ORCID: 0000-0001-6256-116X, Jurković, D ORCID: 0000-0001-6487-5736, Magee, LA ORCID: 0000-0002-1355-610X, George-Carey, R ORCID: 0009-0009-7681-9905, Goodhart, V ORCID: 0000-0003-3470-4025, Memtsa, M ORCID: 0000-0002-6274-0800, Sheen, KS ORCID: 0000-0003-1254-1763 et al (show 1 more authors)
(2026)
Turning pain into purpose: a qualitative investigation into the psycho-social impacts associated with ectopic pregnancy loss among women in the United Kingdom
Psychology Health and Medicine, ahead- (ahead-).
pp. 1-19.
ISSN 1354-8506, 1465-3966
Abstract
Despite the profound effects ectopic pregnancy has been demonstrated to have on women’s mental health, this type of pregnancy loss has received little attention compared to other forms. Ectopic pregnancies are the leading cause of maternal death in early pregnancy and often require urgent medical intervention, which overshadows the psycho-social impacts associated with pregnancy loss. We aimed to undertake a detailed investigation into women’s experiences and associated psychosocial impacts of ectopic pregnancy. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews (N = 20) were conducted with women who suffered an ectopic pregnancy. The interviews were subject to a Grounded Theory Analysis. Four interconnected themes emerged: ‘Waiting for the Inevitable’, ‘End of the Agony’, ‘Fighting through Perceived Loneliness’, and ‘Restorative Empowerment’. Together, these themes form the theory ‘Turning Pain into Purpose’. This theory suggests, although ectopic pregnancy loss is deeply painful, the challenges encountered can foster personal growth, transforming suffering into a source of empowerment and, ultimately, purpose. Whilst ectopic pregnancies represent a life-threatening condition with profound mental health impacts, this research emphasizses the potential for resilience and healing. It underscores the need for compassionate, tailored care and mental health support, along with increased societal awareness. By listening to women’s voices and understanding their complex experiences, healthcare systems can improve care and support, fostering better outcomes and effecting lasting positive change. When women reach out and form networks of support, they can end the psycho-emotional agony whilst also recovering from the physical agony of the ectopic pregnancy.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Ectopic pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, qualitative research, interviews, Psycho-social factors, women's mental health |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health > Psychology Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health > Inst. Population Health (T&R Staff) |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Feb 2026 15:51 |
| Last Modified: | 14 Mar 2026 01:29 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/13548506.2026.2632838 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1080%2F13548506.2026.2632838 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3197186 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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