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Passage through infertility treatment: a stage theory
Image--The Journal of Nursing Scholarship
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Couples navigate infertility treatment through distinct phases, from initial awareness and hope to eventual disengagement or shifting focus. This research offers a new theory on their psychosocial journey during fertility assessment and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Infertility affects a significant number of couples globally.
- Understanding the psychosocial journey of couples undergoing infertility treatment is crucial for providing adequate support.
- Existing research often lacks a comprehensive theoretical framework for the entire treatment passage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and explain the psychosocial responses of couples during infertility assessment and treatment.
- To develop a substantive theory that describes the passage through infertility treatment.
- To identify key concepts and stages couples experience from prediagnosis to posttreatment.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory methodology was employed.
- Data were collected from 25 couples undergoing infertility assessment and treatment.
- Thematic analysis was used to develop a theory based on participants' perceptions.
Main Results:
- A substantive theory of passage through infertility treatment was developed.
- The theory comprises three core concepts: engagement, immersion, and disengagement.
- Eight distinct stages were identified within these concepts, illustrating the couple's evolving experience.
Conclusions:
- The developed theory provides a framework for understanding couples' psychosocial responses to infertility.
- The identified stages offer insights into the emotional and practical journey couples undertake.
- This theory can inform healthcare providers in supporting couples through the complexities of fertility treatment.