The Process Model of Stigmatized Loss: Identity-Threatened Experiences of Bereaved Mothers.

Despite almost one-third of women suffering from the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, it is surprising how little research examines how such loss affects the identity and stigmas experienced by these individuals. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with bereaved mothers (in particular, mothers who lost a baby during pregnancy or within one year after birth), this research sheds light on the bereaved mother's experiences after loss. Specifically, this research applies the identity-threat model of stigma to showcase the process of stigmatized loss. Based on our findings, we also introduce the process model of stigmatized loss that can apply to all types of stigmatized loss. Key themes emerged as we explored stigmatized loss discourses. These include situational cues that trigger stigma, identity-based responses that aim to preserve both a baby's and mother's identity, as well as nonvolitional and volitional responses that help restore control and reconstruct identity. Additionally, other themes revolve around positive and negative outcomes stemming from avoiding stigmatized identity activation and identification of triggers that initiate a recursive process through stigmatized baby loss. Importantly, stigma can be perceived as both an identity threat (negative) and an identity confirmation (positive). Findings inform theory and practice alike.

Advice from Bereaved Parents on Strategies to Heal After Baby Loss.

With close to one in three babies dying between conception and infancy, research examining how to assist bereaved parents after loss is critical. Prior research focuses primarily on a general understanding of the journey post-loss or on a specific strategy that can be pursued to assist in healing but does not adequately provide a holistic examination of post-loss strategies nor is it from firsthand recommendations of bereaved parents. Our research addresses this gap in the literature by identifying the post-loss healing strategies recommended by bereaved parents themselves, thereby informing coping post-loss. To do this, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with bereaved mothers. Four themes emerged from our findings: (1) honor the deceased baby, (2) engage in helpful practices, (3) pursue healing now, and (4) embrace the post-loss journey as unique.

Pandemics and consumers' mental well-being.

This article presents the immense impact that pandemics can have specifically on consumers' mental well-being, extending many of the well-being topics examined in this special issue on pandemics and consumer well-being. Avenues for future research in the area are suggested, with expanded discussion and future research suggestions related to four consumer characteristics including three areas associated with negative mental well-being (parenthood, suffering with chronic illness, aging, and family) as well as another characteristic associated with positive mental well-being (religion). The article concludes with a pressing call to action for academics and others to step up to the purpose in their careers and make a difference in the world for good in relation to consumers' mental well-being.

Religiosity's influence on stability-seeking consumption during times of great uncertainty: the case of the coronavirus pandemic.

Prior research shows that highly religious consumers are more stable through times of uncertainty, in part due to religious support networks. However, several situations (e.g., pandemics, epidemics, natural disasters, mass shootings) represent unique changes where routine large gatherings are restricted due to uncertainty. In such situations, highly religious consumers may experience the greatest disruption to life, potentially resulting in stability-seeking consumption behaviors. Three studies test and confirm this relationship in the coronavirus pandemic context. Specifically, study 1 shows that priming awareness of restricted in-person religious gatherings increases consumption in comparison to a general religious prime or control condition. Study 2 confirms that consumers with higher (lower) levels of religiosity are the most (least) likely to increase consumption, and that situational concern and stability found through purchasing sequentially mediate this relationship. Study 3 provides practical implications revealing that stability-based messaging reduces consumption in comparison to standard social distancing messaging.