Ambivalence experienced by infertile couples undergoing IVF: a qualitative study
Hong Yao1, Celia Hoi Yan Chan2, Yajie Hou3
1School of Ethnology and Sociology, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
Human Fertility (Cambridge, England)
|July 19, 2022
Summary
Infertility causes complex ambivalence in couples, affecting decisions and relationships. Understanding these emotions is crucial for supporting mental health during fertility treatments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Infertility significantly impacts emotional well-being.
- Dyadic emotional interactions within infertile couples are under-researched.
- Infertility is a shared life event requiring a couple-centered approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the emotional complexity faced by infertile couples using a dyadic approach.
- To investigate decisional and relational ambivalence in infertile couples.
- To understand the influence of cultural factors on emotional experiences during infertility.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive qualitative study with 24 participants (8 infertile couples, 8 wives).
- Conjoint and individual interviews conducted in a Chinese fertility center.
- Thematic analysis of interview data.
Main Results:
- Two main themes emerged: 'decisional ambivalence' and 'relational ambivalence'.
- Decisional ambivalence included attitudes towards treatment, outcome uncertainty, and lifestyle changes.
- Relational ambivalence encompassed intergenerational and partner ambivalence, influenced by cultural norms and family involvement.
Conclusions:
- Infertile couples commonly experience complex ambivalence, challenging their family formation assumptions.
- Ambivalence is linked to cultural norms, social expectations, and family engagement in Chinese societies.
- Healthcare professionals should help couples identify and normalize ambivalence to support mental and physical health.
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