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Parenthood motives in IVF-mothers
H Colpin1, A De Munter, L Vandemeulebroecke
1Research Centre for Family Pedagogy, Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogical Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|May 12, 1998
Summary
In vitro fertilization (IVF) mothers share similar parenthood motivations with naturally conceiving mothers. However, IVF mothers show stronger drives related to identity and motherhood, possibly due to their infertility journey.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Parenthood motivation is crucial for parental adjustment.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) offers a pathway to parenthood for many.
- Understanding the unique motivations of IVF mothers is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare parenthood motivations between IVF mothers and naturally conceiving mothers.
- To examine the correlation between parenthood motives and adjustment to parenthood in both groups.
- To explore potential differences stemming from infertility history.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory study comparing 31 IVF mothers and 31 naturally conceiving mothers.
- Participants had 24-30 month old single-born children.
- Self-rating questionnaires assessed parenthood motives and adjustment.
Main Results:
- Overall parenthood motivation patterns were similar between IVF and naturally conceiving mothers.
- 'Identity', 'motherhood', and 'social control' were significantly more important motives for IVF mothers.
- These motive differences persisted after adjusting for maternal age and education.
Conclusions:
- IVF mothers may have distinct, heightened motivations related to identity and motherhood, potentially linked to their infertility experiences.
- Few significant correlations were found between parenthood motives and adjustment to parenthood in either group.
- Further hypothesis-testing research is recommended to validate these exploratory findings.