The psychosocial effects of infertility : a qualitative study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology

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dc.contributor.authorMortimer, Ruth
dc.date.accessioned2014-08-27T23:15:57Z
dc.date.available2014-08-27T23:15:57Z
dc.date.issued1994
dc.description.abstractThe psychosocial consequences of being infertile or involuntarily childless are diverse and far-reaching, touching all areas of an individual's life. Seven interviews were carried out to examine individuals' and couples' experiences of trying to conceive. The transcripts were qualitatively analysed using a grounded theory approach. The range of feelings and experiences reported confirmed the findings of earlier research. For some participants, indirect-effects included alcoholism, depression and a suicide attempt. For others, the experience strengthened their marriage and their resolve to lead a fulfilling life. The people who experienced less distress were those who had received strong support from family and friends, had a career commitment and alternative life goals. Most participants related negative experiences with the medical profession. Insensitive and inappropriate comments from people generally were also reported. Analysis produced a model which illustrates the experience of trying to conceive as a process, with all participants experiencing a degree of sorrow and then finally moving to acceptance, new goals and growth. The study highlights the importance for people trying to conceive of having appropriate support, an empathic medical practitioner, a commitment to a career, outside interests, a strong marital relationship and alternative goals for the future.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10179/5634
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherMassey Universityen_US
dc.rightsThe Authoren_US
dc.subjectInfertilityen_US
dc.subjectPsychological aspectsen_US
dc.subjectSocial aspectsen_US
dc.subjectResearch Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Psychology::Applied psychologyen_US
dc.titleThe psychosocial effects of infertility : a qualitative study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychologyen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
massey.contributor.authorMortimer, Ruthen_US
thesis.degree.disciplinePsychologyen_US
thesis.degree.grantorMassey Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelMastersen_US
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Arts (M.A.)en_US
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