Failure after fertility treatment: Regulation strategies when facing a blocked parenthood goal

Da Silva, Sara, Marie, Place, Boivin, Jacky ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9498-1708 and Gameiro, Sofia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2496-2004 2020. Failure after fertility treatment: Regulation strategies when facing a blocked parenthood goal. Human Fertility 23 (3) , pp. 179-185. 10.1080/14647273.2018.1510186

Preview

PDF - Accepted Post-Print Version Download (228kB) | Preview

Abstract

Biological parenthood is a central life-goal for many couples that can become blocked when they experience infertility. Many couples who undergo fertility treatment will face failure and consequently have to decide whether to continue with treatment. The present study used the qualitative methodology of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to examine self-regulatory approaches that underlie decision-making about continuing treatment. One-time, one-on-one, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 individuals (eight heterosexual couples) after they had experienced at least one treatment failure and were considering whether to undergo another treatment. After treatment failure, individuals used several approaches to remain engaged with biological parenthood, including reframing treatment failure as a learning tool and emphasizing the importance of persistence in achieving success. The apparent decision to continue with treatment was considered non-negotiable and largely made by women in the partnership. Once the decision was made to pursue treatment, it was not discussed further. Given individuals’ willingness to engage in treatment, patients should be offered additional support to consider wide psychosocial implications of continuing treatment.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
ISSN:	1464-7273
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	29 August 2018
Date of Acceptance:	26 June 2018
Last Modified:	28 Nov 2024 01:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/114454

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item