An exploratory study of differences between a functionally infertile, an organically infertile and a fertile group of married couples on the dimensions of interactional functioning and mutual perceptions between partners

This study may be divided roughly into two sections: a general outline of the infertility field of study, and an empirical investigation of psychological differences between various infertility subgroups. In the outline, specific reference has been made to practical and conceptual problems inherent in the diagnosis of infertility, as these have bearing on the type of research that necessitates a division of infertile subjects into subgroups. An attempt has been made to clearly delineate and describe the possible subgroups under the broad categories of organic and functional diagnoses. Theoretical and diagnostic inconsistencies with regard to the latter group have been discussed in some detail, to arrive at an exact definition. In this respect the psychosomatic model of medicine has been introduced as a point of reference. An overview has been presented of the literature which focuses on psychological aspects of infertility. Attitudes towards, and empirical investigations of psychological factors associated with infertility have been critically discussed. Taking into account some of the biases and errors of previous research, the empirical study was designed to investigate hypothesized psychological differences between respective organically infertile and functionally infertile experimental groups and a fertile control group of married couples. Particular dimensions assessed were interactional family functioning and discrepancies in mutual perceptions between respective husbands and wives. The McMaster Family Assessment Device and the Semantic Differential technique were used as measures of these respective dimensions, and these were administered to both partners. No significant differences were found between any of the groups investigated. On the basis of the findings of the present study and much of the previous research in the field, the basic assumptions that psychopathological factors may be associated with infertility, especially in the case of a functional diagnosis, have been questioned. The counselling and crisis intervention models were proposed as a more appropriate way in which to understand the emotional problems of infertile couples.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Psychology

Year dc:date.issued

1983

Author dc:creator

• Futeran, Elizabeth Lora

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Foster, Don

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/16980

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/16980