Representations of reproductive difficulties in women participating in support groups

Abstract

IntroductionWomen with reproductive difficulties often feel stigmatized and isolated. Information concerning their specific experience can help plan psychosocial interventions.ObjectivesThe 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.ResultsTable 1 Groups Categories Approach coping Ambivalent copingAvoidance coping1.EmotionsNegative emotions31%43%Hope31%Mobilization to solve the problem48%Severe emotional state9%67%No emotion38%33%2.GoalsBirth of a child81%61%44%Acceptance/inner harmony13%26%Understanding the cause of difficulties7%13%Maintaining the integrity of the body56%3.Worst-case scenarioNo child56%70%33%Illness/depression/insanity13%44%Own death13%4%22%Denial of the possibility of the worst-case scenario19%9%4.Best-case scenarioHaving a child100%91%67%Accepting infertility6%Improving own health33%Objective indicator: perinatal losses6%27%14%ConclusionsWe 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.DisclosureNo significant relationships.