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How Individuals Use Metaphors to Negotiate Fertility Treatment Decision-Making with Their Romantic Partners
Angela L Palmer-Wackerly1, Heather L Voorhees2, Jody Koenig Kellas1
1Department of Communication Studies, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Health Communication
|July 13, 2022
Summary
Fertility decision-making communication among couples navigating infertility can be categorized into three main approaches: Driver-Navigator, Driver-Passenger, and Driver-Backseat Driver. Understanding these patterns helps couples and clinicians improve shared decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Infertility affects a significant portion of reproductive-aged individuals, impacting 12% of women and 9% of men.
- There is a growing need for research into how individuals and their partners make fertility-related decisions.
- Understanding the dynamics of fertility decision-making (DM) communication is crucial for patient well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and identify distinct patterns in fertility decision-making communication between romantic partners.
- To understand how couples navigate communication during their infertility journey.
- To provide insights for improving collaborative decision-making in fertility treatment.
Main Methods:
- Conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 53 individuals who have experienced fertility decision-making with a partner.
- Analyzed interview data to identify common themes and communication strategies.
- Developed a typology of decision-making communication approaches.
Main Results:
- Identified three primary decision-making communication approaches: Driver-Navigator, Driver-Passenger, and Driver-Backseat Driver.
- Found that all approaches were perceived as collaborative but varied in the degree of 'togetherness' (high, moderate, low).
- Highlighted differences in how couples communicated about fertility treatment decisions.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of these decision-making approaches can help couples and clinicians understand their communication dynamics.
- Insights can inform the development of alternative DM strategies tailored to specific couple needs.
- Understanding these patterns can support couples in addressing their goals, needs, and identities throughout the fertility journey.
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