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.

Keywords

• approach coping
• avoidance coping
• representation of difficulties