Representations of reproductive difficulties in women participating in support groups

Abstract

Introduction

Women with reproductive difficulties often feel stigmatized and isolated. Information concerning their specific experience can help plan psychosocial interventions.

Objectives

The study aims to analyze reproductive difficulties representations in women with different coping orientations.

Methods

Participants: 48 women (aged 24-43) from support groups arranged by the “You Are Not Alone” non-profit organization for women with reproductive issues. Based on the questionnaire “Types of Orientations in Difficult Situation”, participants were divided into three groups: approach coping (N=16), avoidance coping (N=9), ambivalent coping (N=23). Content analysis was conducted based on stories about reproduction difficulties experiences.

Results

Table 1

	Groups
Categories	Approach coping	Ambivalent coping	Avoidance coping
1.Emotions
Negative emotions	31%	43%
Hope	31%
Mobilization to solve the problem		48%
Severe emotional state		9%	67%
No emotion	38%		33%
2.Goals
Birth of a child	81%	61%	44%
Acceptance/inner harmony	13%	26%
Understanding the cause of difficulties	7%	13%
Maintaining the integrity of the body			56%
3.Worst-case scenario
No child	56%	70%	33%
Illness/depression/insanity		13%	44%
Own death	13%	4%	22%
Denial of the possibility of the worst-case scenario	19%	9%
4.Best-case scenario
Having a child	100%	91%	67%
Accepting infertility		6%
Improving own health			33%
Objective indicator: perinatal losses	6%	27%	14%

Conclusions

We identified three types of representation of reproductive difficulties in women: approaching the goal of having a child; avoidance (fear of own death/illness/insanity or not having a child); ambivalent coping (alternating approach/avoidance). Funding: The study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-013-00838.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.