Changes in Chinese Traditional Childbearing Attitudes in Previously Infertile Couples

Abstract

Bearing children to continue the family line is one of the fundamental family values of Chinese culture, and as such is the main source of psychosocial distress among infertile couples. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in Chinese traditional childbearing attitudes (CTCAs) in previously infertile couples regardless of the subsequent status of the couples. 50 infertile couples attending an assisted reproduction program were surveyed with the same structured questionnaire in late 1991 and again in early 1997. In the 1997 follow-up survey, available subjects were classified into two groups: those who became parents (14 couples) and those who remained infertile (10 couples). Regarding the attitudes of “Having more children means having more good fortune,” and “A son is more important than a daughter,” for those who later became mothers, a significantly stronger attitude was noted in the follow-up survey as compared to the initial survey. On the contrary, regarding “having no heir is the gravest offense against filial piety” and “continuing the family line is a mandatory responsibility,” a less favorable attitude was noted in the group of women who later became mothers. As for the husbands, the changes in CTCAs were not as marked as in their wives. When compared with husbands who remained infertile, the change in the attitude of “three generations living together is desirable” in those who later became fathers was statistically significant. The results of this study provide a framework based on Chinese culture to understand childbearing attitudes among previously infertile couples, which could be of reference in providing holistic nursing care with regard to psychosocial distress for couples with a history of infertility.