Women’s Experience of Obstetric Violence: A Grounded Theory Study of
Perception Formation During Childbirth
Abstract
Objective Women formulate varying perceptions of obstetric
interventions, examinations and other aspects of care such as birth
positions. Our study explored women’s perception formation during
childbirth in order to better understand factors that influence whether
an obstetric situation is experienced as obstetric violence.
Design Grounded theory study of 12 narrative interviews.
Setting German obstetric hospital wards Participants
12 mothers who gave birth in a hospital maximum 12 months ago.
Methods Narrative interviews were conducted. Data collection,
analysis and theory formation followed a circular process according to
grounded theory. Main Outcome Measures A theoretical model
explaining why women experience obstetric situations as violent or not.
Results Within our sample, experiences of obstetric violence
were related to low situational sense of coherence which was influenced
by the comprehensibility and manageability of the situation as well as
further framing conditions (context, personal conditions, preceedings).
The level of situational sense of coherence influenced whether an
experience was appraised as violent or not. Positive experiences were
connected to higher situational sense of coherence. Conclusions
If obstetricians and midwives understand the perception formation
process and keenly and continuously consider women’s situational sense
of coherence during childbirth, they may help to reduce the potential
for obstetric violence and increase the satisfaction with the childbirth
experience.