We aim to understand how such experiences impact you personally, as a couple, and in your role as an employee.
Through conversations with individuals who have faced this, we examine how gender roles, workplace environments, and support systems shape grief responses and the transition back to work. We are particularly interested in the needs that arise and what helps or complicates this vulnerable phase.
The goal of the project is to provide better insight into how the workplace can support employees in crisis and to contribute to the development of more inclusive and supportive measures for individuals experiencing pregnancy loss.
Would you like to share your story and help shed light on an important yet often invisible issue? We hope you will participate.
About the Project
This research project examines how women and men who have experienced pregnancy loss (miscarriage, stillbirth or medical termination after serious fetal findings) cope with grief in the context of working life. The study looks at how such life crises affect the individual, the couple relationship, and the transition back to work, and how factors such as gender roles and workplace culture play a role in this process.
The purpose of the project is to gain deeper insights into how people experience and process grief after pregnancy loss and how the workplace can be a supportive or challenging arena in this context.
The goal is to contribute knowledge that can strengthen HR practices, psychosocial work environments, and support systems for employees in challenging life situations.
The project is part of a master’s degree in work and organizational psychology at the University of Oslo. It is based on qualitative interviews with participants who have experienced pregnancy loss and who were employed before and after the incident.
Who can participate?
We want to reach out to those who:
- Experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or medical termination following serious fetal findings in the last 12 months
- were (you or your partner) employed before and/or after the loss
- Are over 18 years old and speak Norwegian or English
You may participate on your own or together with your partner (interviews are conducted separately if both take part).
If you meet the criteria, you can express your interest through the online form here.
What does participation involve?
Participation involves one individual interview (approx. 30-60 minutes), conducted digitally (teams) or physically by agreement. For digital interviews, using your camera is optional. All information will be treated confidentially and anonymized. Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without explaining your reasons.
Data collection will take place between October and December 2025.
If you wish, you can receive a short summary of the master's thesis if you wish, when the project is concluded (spring 2026).
Express your interest in participating via the registration form here through the online form.
Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact master's student Helene Schumann at heleschu@uio.no.
Privacy and consent
The study is approved by the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK). Data are collected and stored securely through SIKT services in accordance with GDPR and data protection regulations.
Consent can be given in writing beforehand or verbally at the start of the interview, whichever you prefer.
