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The loss of a family member is often conceptualized as a disruption in one's life story. However, when a loss occurs prior to, or during, one's birth, the bereaved life stories are not interrupted by the loss, but rather begin with loss. The paper offers a new conceptualization of these losses as "congenital losses" and captures the core aspects of this phenomenon. A qualitative phenomenological analysis of 34 in-depth semi-structured interviews with offspring and siblings whose family members died before/during their birth revealed four main challenges presented by congenital loss: incoherency and fragmentation; storyownership; bond-establishment, and; identity challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent upsurge in the use of qualitative empirical studies, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of human reactions to loss, requires a methodological account of how to conduct better qualitative research with regard to data collection. This paper offers six general interview guidelines aimed at assisting researchers to achieve quality interviews in qualitative bereavement studies, based on the theoretical framework of meaning (re)construction in loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research has focused on social anxiety in various contexts of human relationships. However, only a small number of studies have aimed to understand social anxiety in the context of online dating. Therefore, the current study examined factors related to social anxiety among online daters and used Janoff-Bulman's Shattered Assumptions theory (1992) as a theoretical framework. A total of 494 users of online dating sites and applications completed a questionnaire that assessed social anxiety, socio-demographic characteristics, and three general assumptions regarding: the world (world appraisals); the self (self-efficacy); and, others (recognition concerns). Multiple regression analysis was applied in order to identify predictors of social anxiety. Findings revealed that social anxiety among online daters was predicted by negative world appraisals, low self-efficacy and high recognition concerns. The current study underscores the importance of cognitive structures in a vague and vulnerable situation such as online dating. Specifically, taking into account basic appraisals of the world, the self, and others, emerge as important factors when trying to explain social anxiety in the online-dating context. Our findings may assist health care professionals treat individuals searching to find a partner, specifically in directing the therapeutic sessions to rebuild shattered assumptions. • Social anxiety has received scarce investigation in the context of online dating. • The current study used Shattered Assumptions theory as theoretical framework. • Negative world appraisals predict high levels of social anxiety among online daters. • Low self-efficacy predicts higher levels of social anxiety among online daters. • Recognition concerns predict higher levels of social anxiety among online daters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]