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.

The Biology of Vasopressin.

Vasopressins are evolutionarily conserved peptide hormones. Mammalian vasopressin functions systemically as an antidiuretic and regulator of blood and cardiac flow essential for adapting to terrestrial environments. Moreover, vasopressin acts centrally as a neurohormone involved in social and parental behavior and stress response. Vasopressin synthesis in several cell types, storage in intracellular vesicles, and release in response to physiological stimuli are highly regulated and mediated by three distinct G protein coupled receptors. Other receptors may bind or cross-bind vasopressin. Vasopressin is regulated spatially and temporally through transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, sex, tissue, and cell-specific receptor expression. Anomalies of vasopressin signaling have been observed in polycystic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, and neuropsychiatric conditions. Growing knowledge of the central biological roles of vasopressin has enabled pharmacological advances to treat these conditions by targeting defective systemic or central pathways utilizing specific agonists and antagonists.

Milk, juice, or cola? Exploring the effect of product placement on children's attitudes and behavior.

Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern, and scholars and academicians have proposed the use of successful marketing and advertising tactics as a means of influencing healthy behaviors. This research investigates product placement to assess its potential effects on attitudes and behavior when utilized in an animated children's television show. Results from an experiment suggest that multiple product placements may affect children's attitudes toward certain drinks, but also suggest that a child's existing favorite drink is a stronger predictor of actual beverage choice. Implications are provided.

Marketing active transportation to school to improve children's health: Utilizing parental perspectives from an inner-city environment.

Thirty years ago, nearly half of the children in the United States walked or rode their bikes to school. Today, less than 15% of children actively commute to school. With the growing obesity epidemic, encouraging children to walk or bike to school has become a national priority. This research examines factors that influence parental decisions allowing their children to walk to school in an urban environment to identify effective marketing and communication strategies to reach those parents. Results indicate differences in parental perspectives across populations; suggestions for effectively marketing the Safe Routes to School program to minority populations are provided.