Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Communications
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Ashley McKenzie
Committee Member
Dr. Erin Ash
Committee Member
Dr. James Gilmore
Abstract
Entertainment media may serve as a primary source through which individuals learn about miscarriage; however, little research has examined how miscarriage is portrayed in film and television. This study addresses this gap by conducting a textual analysis of five films and five television shows using a constructivist grounded theory approach. Guided by the model of stigma communication (MSC), communication privacy management theory (CPM), and social support frameworks, the analysis explores how miscarriage is represented in entertainment media.
Findings indicate that the analyzed content frequently includes stigma-related cues—such as marks, labels, responsibility, and peril—that may contribute to the formation and reinforcement of stigmatizing attitudes. The portrayals also reflect previously identified privacy rules surrounding miscarriage, including expectations to keep the experience private, delay pregnancy disclosure, and limit male emotional expression. These norms may further constrain individuals’ willingness to disclose miscarriage and seek support.
Additionally, the findings reveal that representations of support are often limited and, at times, ineffective, particularly regarding informational and clinical support. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how entertainment media (re)produces societal expectations and stigma surrounding pregnancy loss. Implications for media production, health communication, and future research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Leonetti Saraiva, Geovana, "Portrayals Of Miscarriage In Film And Television: A Qualitative Analysis" (2026). All Theses. 4765.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4765
Author ORCID Identifier
gleonet@clemson.edu
Included in
Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Health Communication Commons, Mass Communication Commons