Perspectives on parenthood, subfertility and fertility treatments

The main aim of this study was to investigate deeply the experience of the subfertile couple living in a treatment-oriented society, by studying simultaneously the meaning attributed to parenthood and attitudes to reproductive technologies, which are highly connected. In this piece of work, the focus was on the accepted beliefs and expressions of parenthood, subfertility and fertility treatments as expressions of cultural meanings. One of the objectives of this research was to unravel both similarities and differences intra-culturally and cross-culturally by the employment of both the quantitative and the qualitative epistemological paradigms. Apart from the obvious benefit of advancing knowledge and theory in this area, the findings of this study help professionals to improve their cultural awareness and thus, the appropriateness of the psychological and medical services offered by them to the subfertile couples. Consequently, the latter's needs could be more adequately met.

Autorentext

Dr. Sophia Kazantzidou is a social psychologist with a special interest in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Her main research interests are in the areas of reproductive psychology and addictions. For the last eight years she has been the Director of the Research and Documentation Department of KETHEA ITHAKI in Thessaloniki.