Beyond knowledge: Introducing embodied aversion through the case of contraception.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Social Science
• Contraceptive Research

Background:

• Family planning traditionally focuses on individual knowledge and attitudes towards contraception.
• Social science highlights structural influences on contraceptive beliefs and behaviors.
• Embodied knowledge, shaped by social context, informs personal contraceptive effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and define a previously unrecognized factor in contraceptive decision-making.
• To explore the concept of "embodied aversion" in relation to contraceptive method choice.
• To understand how embodied aversion impacts patient-centered care and reproductive autonomy.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with 59 self-identified women.
• Conducted between 2017-2018 in Delaware, USA.
• Utilized affect theory and stigma theory to interpret findings.

Main Results:

• Identified "embodied aversion" as a significant factor in contraceptive decision-making.
• Embodied aversion is an orientation away from implantable/insertable methods due to internalized stigma.
• This aversion can override conscious considerations of contraceptive efficacy, ease of use, and duration.

Conclusions:

• Embodied aversion is a critical, yet overlooked, dimension of contraceptive use experience.
• Understanding embodied aversion is vital for enhancing patient-centered care and shared decision-making.
• Addressing embodied aversion can improve reproductive autonomy and contraceptive method choice.