Have you experienced reproductive loss such as miscarriage, stillbirth, perinatal loss, infertility, or failed surrogacy or adoption? Have you experienced trauma around any of these or other reproductive experiences, such as birth trauma?

Have you used writing to help process your experience?

I am a Ph.D. student conducting a research study to explore how writing can support healing after reproductive loss or trauma—and I’d love to hear from you.

Purpose of the Study:

This study seeks to understand how individuals who have experienced reproductive loss and/or trauma use writing to process and interpret their experience. A secondary goal is to develop more effective methods for facilitating writing workshops that address these sensitive topics, while contributing to academic research on trauma-informed writing practices.

Who Can Participate:

We are looking for adults (18 years or older) in the U.S. or Canada who have experienced reproductive loss and/or trauma (to include pregnancy loss or trauma from any cause, including miscarriage, stillbirth, perinatal death, infertility, termination, failed adoption, surrogacy, or fertility treatments, birth trauma, etc.) and who have used any form of writing (journaling, poetry, essays, academic writing, etc.) as part of their coping or healing process.

What Participation Involves:

If you choose to participate, you will be asked to take part in an hour-long interview via Teams about your experiences with writing and reproductive loss or trauma. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time.

Confidentiality:

All information shared will be kept strictly confidential. Your identity will not be linked to any published findings, and data will be stored securely in accordance with IRB guidelines.

📚 Your story could help shape future writing workshops and trauma-informed practices!

🔗 If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Elizabeth (Beth) Charles at charles570@usf.edu.

You may also view the study information and consent form here!