A phenomenological study of the "lived" experience of infertility as perceived by infertile women
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Date
1991
Department
Nursing
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the
"lived" experience of infertility as perceived by
infertile women. The objectives of the study were to
describe accurately the "lived" experience of
infertility as perceived by infertile women and to
explore the meanings of the "lived" experience of
infertility as it unfolded for them. A qualitative
methodology that approached the experts on the
phenomenon, the infertile women themselves, was used in
achievement of these objectives. Data were collected from eight infertile women who
volunteered to participate in the study. The sample
was obtained through the local RESOLVE infertility
support group and personal and professional contacts.
unstructured tape recorded interviews were conducted
with each participant with only the opening statement
consistent across all interviews. Data analysis
proceeded through transcription and coding of
statements into groups of like content. Five
categories of meaning evolved from fifty-five codes.
Validation of the code and category development
analysis was achieved through second confirming interviews with four of the infertile women. A review
of the literature also revealed support of the findings. The five categories that arose from the analysis
were as follows: emotional impact, relationships,
physical impact, alternatives, and coping mechanisms.
These five categories did not carry equal importance in
the infertile women's experiences; the category of
emotional impact was of utmost concern. The resultant
description of the meaning of the "lived" experience of
infertility as perceived by these infertile women
illustrates how these women are reaching out for help,
understanding, and support. It Is important that
nurses become aware of the special experiences faced by
infertile women 60 that they may provide them holistic,
informative, and supportive care. Further research
that explores and expands upon the findings of this
study is needed to increase nursing's knowledge base
concerning the "lived" experience of infertility.