• Login
• Admin

Cox, Serena (2023) Participating in birth trauma Facebook groups: a hermeneutic phenomenology study of women's experiences of online peer support following a traumatic birth. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

PDF (Thesis - as examined) - Repository staff only until 18 December 2027. Subsequently available to Anyone - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader Available under Licence Creative Commons Attribution. Download (2MB)

Abstract

Background:

Traumatic birth experiences affect approximately one-third of women and can have significant long-term physical and mental health consequences. While women are known to participate in online support communities for birth trauma, their experiences within these remain unexplored.

Aims and objectives:

The study aims to explore women’s experiences in online support communities following a traumatic birth, the factors motivating their access and participation, and the changes in their engagement over time.

Method:

Employing a hermeneutic phenomenology methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 women, 14 of whom participated in follow-up interviews three months later. Data analysis involved crafting stories from the interview transcripts and processes of dwelling and writing.

Findings:

Participants reported joining online support communities due to the severity of their traumatic birth experiences, persistent or worsening traumatic stress symptoms, experiences of stigma, and difficulties discussing their experiences with others. Seeking explanation and validation from peers with similar experiences was a primary motivation. Women engaged by reading, posting, commenting, and exchanging various forms of peer support, which were predominantly positively experienced. However, some participants reported negative experiences and the potential for harm when engaging in online support. Over time, women’s participation altered due to multiple factors, including changes in their personal circumstances, the ongoing sequelae of their traumatic birth, and their experiences on the group. The processes of leaving or disengaging from the group were complex and unclear, with both departure and continued engagement relating to feelings of recovery and ongoing difficulties.

Conclusions:

Women access and use online support communities following traumatic birth because they lack support options. These communities provide valuable peer support, but they can also have negative implications for some women. Further research is needed to better understand these experiences and inform the development of effective support mechanisms for women who have experienced a traumatic birth.

Item Type:	Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors:	Spiby, Helen Coulson, Neil
Keywords:	Birth trauma; Online support; Online communities
Subjects:	W Medicine and related subjects (NLM Classification) > WQ Obstetrics
Faculties/Schools:	UK Campuses > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
Item ID:	76425
Depositing User:	Cox, Serena
Date Deposited:	18 Dec 2025 13:15
Last Modified:	18 Dec 2025 13:15
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/76425

Actions (Archive Staff Only)

Edit View