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Davies L, de Wildt G, Benyamini Y, Ramkumar A, Adams R. Exploring the experiences of English-speaking women who have moved to Israel and subsequently used Israeli fertility treatment services: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0309265. [PMID: 39197013 PMCID: PMC11356427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Israel's pronatalist cultures result in a social expectation to have children and drive Israel's fertility rate of 2.9. Israeli policy reflects this through funding unlimited fertility treatment up to two children. Societal pressure to have children exacerbates challenges of fertility treatment. Furthermore, the lack of financial burden creates a culture of perseverance following treatment failures. Whilst the experiences of Israeli women using fertility treatment have been studied, the experiences of women who migrated to Israel and were therefore raised in a different society have not. This study aimed to address this gap in knowledge. METHODS A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to investigate the experiences of 13 English-speaking women who utilised Israeli state funded fertility treatment. Participants were located across Israel and were recruited using purposive sampling through social media. Data was analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS Despite not being aimed at specific ethnic or religious groups, all respondents were Jewish. Three themes were identified: 1. Systemic factors: The lack of financial burden was positive, however, participants struggled to navigate the bureaucratic healthcare system, especially when experiencing a language barrier. 2. Influence of others: Encountering a cold bedside manner alongside contending with the expectations of a pronatalist society was challenging. Participants utilised support from other migrants who appreciated the same culture shock. Understanding of healthcare professionals regarding shared religious values further improved treatment experiences. 3. Impact of journey: Participants often withdrew socially and the treatment process implicated upon their lives, jobs and relationships. CONCLUSION Navigating a bureaucratic system and pronatalist society are difficulties associated with fertility treatment in Israel. The lack of financial burden and an understanding of religious and cultural beliefs by healthcare providers improved treatment experience. Better provision of resources in English and further research into supporting women who are navigating Israel's pronatalist society is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Davies
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gilles de Wildt
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yael Benyamini
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anoushka Ramkumar
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Adams
- Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Vizheh M, Zurynski Y, Braithwaite J, Rapport F. The impact of migration and settlement context on Iranian Women's agency in accessing and using reproductive healthcare services in Australia: A qualitative study. Health Place 2023; 83:103069. [PMID: 37499608 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to understand how immigration and settlement context shape Iranian immigrants' agency in accessing and using reproductive healthcare services (RHCS). Twenty-one Iranian women of reproductive age (18-49 years) living in Australia were recruited in 2022 through social media platforms. The findings highlighted that although Iranian women's utilisation of RHCS in Australia is highly constrained by established sociocultural beliefs and values of their origin country, they become agents of making changes over their reproductive choices, reformulating beliefs and values, and taking control of reproductive health because of Australian sociocultural norms and context. This suggests a tension between the impacts of sociocultural contexts in their origin country and becoming agents of change after migrating to Australia. These findings need to be included in healthcare policy and practice to support greater consideration of cultural sensitivities and specific needs of immigrant women when accessing Australian RHCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Vizheh
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Yvonne Zurynski
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Frances Rapport
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Navigating Still Waters of Infertility: Role of Goal Features in Coping with a Thwarted Goal. Int J Behav Med 2022; 29:188-198. [PMID: 34268707 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The infertility experience is often surrounded by frustration and discouragement associated with the thwarted goal to have a child. Though research has identified commonly used strategies to cope with infertility, this study is the first to examine how different goal attributes and processes associated with the experience of infertility relate to coping strategy use and psychological distress. METHOD Women (N = 353) recruited from online support forums reported on the nature of their goal to have a child, their psychological distress, and their use of strategies to cope with the failure to achieve that goal. RESULTS Women reported high striving toward a goal high in importance and commitment, coupled with high goal-related stress and feeling that achievement is blocked. Consistent with the notion that coping strategy use is specific to the features of the experience, no single goal attribute nor combination of attributes consistently accounted for coping strategy use, suggesting that the latter may be specific to the cognitions and processes of pursuit of the goal to have a child. With one exception, perceptions of impediment were better predictors of psychological distress than any level of perceived facilitators of goal pursuit, positing potential targets for future psychological interventions. CONCLUSION Understanding how women cope with infertility may require a detailed conceptualization of their goal to have a child. In the present sample, dynamic processes and coping strategies that otherwise detract from success were generally beneficial by providing alternatives to the pursuit of a thwarted goal.
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Persevering in Fertility Treatments Despite Failures: Unrealistic Optimism and the Reality of a Pronatalist Culture. Int J Behav Med 2022; 29:209-219. [PMID: 34008158 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility treatment discontinuation is difficult as it entails accepting childlessness. In most countries, financial limitations provide sufficient justification to terminate treatment. In Israel, unlimited funding enables women to undergo multiple treatment cycles, even when the odds of success are poor, thus providing a context for studying the psychological mechanisms involved when financial constraints are set aside. The study aimed to investigate the contribution of unrealistic optimism to Israeli women's willingness to continue fertility treatments even after repeated failures and to their psychological adjustment, comparing age groups. METHODS A longitudinal study of 100 women (ages 31-45) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment (1-22 previous cycles), who filled in questionnaires assessing their estimates of treatment success (theirs/for same-age patient), estimates received from the physician, intentions to continue treatment, and psychological adjustment. Follow-up was conducted 17(± 4) months later, by phone (n = 71) and/or medical records (n = 90). RESULTS Most women (57%) reported that they will continue as long as needed till they have a child, 13% did not know, and 25% mentioned a specific plan; 5 did not reply. Women's estimates of treatment success showed vast unrealistic optimism, which was unrelated to their age, history of unsuccessful treatment cycles, or intentions for treatment continuation, yet was related to better psychological adjustment. At follow-up, almost all women who did not conceive were found to have continued treatments. CONCLUSIONS Unrealistic optimism helps women maintain hope and well-being along the demanding journey to (biological) parenthood, where childlessness is highly stigmatized, and contributes to perseverance in treatment, regardless of objective factors.
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Jones R. How are women supported in making decisions regarding fertility preservation after a breast cancer diagnosis? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 29:s12-s21. [PMID: 32972225 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.17.s12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although there has been an increase in fertility preservation treatment options in recent years, existing evidence would suggest that many young women who have breast cancer do not feel well supported in making decisions in this area. A breast cancer diagnosis and the possibility of becoming infertile are known to cause psychological issues for young women and many find it difficult to make decisions at this time, causing them a great deal of stress and anxiety. Given the need for patient-centred care, this literature review looked at the decision-making support given to women with a diagnosis of breast cancer as part of fertility preservation treatment. The review found that women lacked support and struggled to make decisions at this critical point in their lives. The findings of the review suggest that women would benefit from a wide range of decision support interventions prior to and following diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jones
- Was a Student Nurse, University of East Anglia, when this article was written. She is now a Staff Nurse at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton
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Nouman H, Zanbar L. Support or stressor? The community as a predictor of perceptions of infertility. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2020; 59:650-667. [PMID: 33222660 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2020.1852360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Perceptions of women experiencing infertility may influence their coping and psychological adjustment. This study examined the influence of community pressure and support on the perception of fertility problems among 156 women in religious Jewish societies in Israel, undergoing fertility treatment. Regression analyses indicated that perceptions of pressure from the community were associated with more problematic consequences and problem severity and timeline, while perceptions of community support were simultaneously associated with lower levels of loss of control and higher levels of problematic consequences. Thus, social work interventions should consider ways to increase support, while reducing the stress resulting from it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Nouman
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa , Haifa, Israel
| | - Lea Zanbar
- School of Social Work, Ariel University , Ariel, Israel
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Compensatory Health Beliefs on Breastfeeding Varying by Breastfeeding Status; A Scale Development. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165759. [PMID: 32784938 PMCID: PMC7460425 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine whether compensatory health beliefs (CHB) on breastfeeding vary as a function of breastfeeding status among mothers of infants. METHODS Participants included 773 women aged 18 and older (M = 32.8) who gave birth in the last two years; 445 were breastfeeding exclusively, 165 were breastfeeding partially, and 163 were not breastfeeding. They responded to a survey posted on social media sites' closed groups that focused on post-natal issues. Design was cross-sectional, with CHB as the outcome variable (14 items) and demographics and feeding status as the explanatory variables. RESULTS The internal reliability of the CHB scale was α = 0.87. There was a statistically significant difference in the level of CHB between non-breastfeeding women, breastfeeding women, and women who combined breastfeeding with infant formula, so that non- breastfeeding women had the highest level of CHB. There was no significant difference in CHB by either birth experience or demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION This study extended CHB to breastfeeding, documenting the minimization of the disadvantages of not breastfeeding by non-breastfeeding women, attempting to neutralize or reduce the cognitive dissonance between non-nursing and optimal infant care. Possible uses of the scale for counselling were suggested, both in the prenatal and post-natal period, proactively bringing forward and addressing ambivalence towards breastfeeding.
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Torabi M, Kazemi A, Abdishahshahani M. Psychometric properties of revised version of the fertility adjustment scale in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 243:16-20. [PMID: 31629925 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to validate the edited version of FAS for the purpose of couples undergoing ART. STUDY DESIGN In this cross-sectional study, the validity of the revised version of the FAS questionnaire was assessed by testing it on 212 couples volunteered to undergo ART. The revised version comprises 12 items from the original FAS version and 6 items added based on a survey interview conducted on infertile couples. Following an assessment of the content validity and reliability, the construct validity was measured following exploratory factor analysis with a varimax rotation. The correlation of the revised fertility adjustment (R-FAS) score with the level of depression, too, was assessed using depression scale of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). RESULTS The assessment of content validity yielded a content validity index and content validity ratio of 0.75 and 0.89. The reliability of the questionnaire measured twice with a correlation index of 0.76 was confirmed. Cronbach's Alpha for the entire questionnaire was 0.83. The exploratory factor analysis was conducted on 15 items by extracting 12 items using two factors: mental freedom and acceptance of extraction conditions. The score made on the R-FAS questionnaire was correlated with the level of depression (r = 0.51; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The study results were indicative of the validity and reliability of the questionnaire for measurement of the adjustment attributed to the infertility in couples undergoing ART. It is proposed that the infertility-related adjustment in couples undergoing ART and with a high potential for mental disorders be measured using this questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Torabi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Ashraf Kazemi
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Renzi A, Solano L, Di Trani M, Ginobbi F, Minutolo E, Tambelli R. The effects of an expressive writing intervention on pregnancy rates, alexithymia and psychophysical health during an assisted reproductive treatment. Psychol Health 2019; 35:718-733. [PMID: 31549861 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2019.1667500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Objective: World Health Organization reported that in developed countries one in four couples experience infertility with serious implications for the psychophysical well-being. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Pennebaker's writing technique on pregnancy rates, alexithymia and psychophysical health during an assisted reproductive treatment (ART).Method: 91 women admitted for an ART were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental one (n = 46), where women wrote about their thoughts and emotions concerning the infertility experience, and a control group (n = 45) where women did not write. All subjects completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Symptoms Checklist-90-R before and after the writing sessions.Results: A significant difference in pregnancy rates between the experimental group (n = 13) and the control group (n = 5) was found (χ2 = 4.216; p < .04). A significant difference was also found between women who participated in the study (experimental + control= 91) and women who declined to participate, in the direction of more ART successes (n = 18 vs. n = 0) in the group of women who participated (χ2 = 10.17; p < .01).Conclusions: The findings support the usefulness of the writing technique during ART in promoting treatment success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Solano
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Di Trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Minutolo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Altamedica-Artemisia SpA, Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Vo TM, Tran QT, Le CV, Do TT, Le TM. Depression and associated factors among infertile women at Tu Du hospital, Vietnam: a cross-sectional study. Int J Womens Health 2019; 11:343-351. [PMID: 31239787 PMCID: PMC6551559 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s205231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: About 40,000 infertile couples visit Tu Du Hospital, Vietnam for consultation and treatment of infertility per year. Depression in infertile female patients not only influences mental wellbeing, but also affects the effectiveness of infertility treatment. The study aimed to determine the depression prevalence in infertile female patients and associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during April–July 2016 with 401 infertile women visiting the Department of Infertility at Tu Du Hospital . The PHQ-9 scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. Face-to-face interviewing was conducted using a structured questionaire. Participants were also inquired about demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, infertility related characteristics and family and social relationships. Results: The depression prevalence was 12.2%, with a cut-off score ≥10 on PHQ-9 scale. Depression in infertile female patients was associated with infertility caused by the husband (AOR=3.09, 95% CI=1.44–6.63), infertility caused by both spouses (AOR=3.63, 95% CI=1.26–10.48), alcohol-addicted husband (AOR=4.83, 95% CI=1.32–17.58), and with wife’s previous antidepressant use (AOR=48.1, 95% CI=4.83–47.96) Conclusions: Assessment of depressive symptoms should be assessed at an early stage among infertile female patients for timely mental health support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan M Vo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Quynh Tt Tran
- Department of General Gynecology, Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Cuong V Le
- The Science and Technology Office, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Trang Th Do
- Department of Disaster Management, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi M Le
- Department of Population and Reproductive Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Palmer-Wackerly AL, Voorhees HL, D'Souza S, Weeks E. Infertility patient-provider communication and (dis)continuity of care: An exploration of illness identity transitions. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:804-809. [PMID: 30527731 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify how and why infertility patients' communication with health care providers relates to their continuity of care within infertility treatment. METHOD A grounded theory analysis was conducted for 25 in-depth interviews across three coding phases, where we remained open to all themes present in the data, narrowed to most prominent themes, and found the connections between the themes. RESULTS Based on our identified themes, we created a conceptual model that explains why infertility patients (dis)continued care with one or more clinician. Through this model, we describe two infertility identity transitions for patients: Transition 1: "Infertility as Temporary" to "Infertility as Enduring"; and Transition 2: "Infertility as Enduring" to "Infertility as Integrated." CONCLUSION The study explains how and why patients' view of their infertility affects their communication, and thus their continuity of care, with clinicians. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS To provide patient-centered care within infertility treatment, providers can recognize how patients' view of their infertility, and thus their needs, goals, and expectations, shift throughout their infertility experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather L Voorhees
- Department of Communication Studies, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
| | - Sarah D'Souza
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Edward Weeks
- School of Communication, The Ohio State University, USA
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Nouman H, Benyamini Y. Religious Women's Coping with Infertility: Do Culturally Adapted Religious Coping Strategies Contribute to Well-Being and Health? Int J Behav Med 2019; 26:154-164. [PMID: 30443734 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-018-9757-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a source of stress, particularly in pronatalist societies in which a lifestyle without children is viewed as an unacceptable option. The present study examined the relationship between the use of culturally adapted religious coping strategies and emotional adjustment among women coping with fertility problems. METHODS This is a cross-sectional correlational study. One hundred and eighty-six religious Israeli women undergoing fertility treatment filled out questionnaires assessing their use of culturally adapted religious coping strategies and emotional adjustment (distress/well-being). RESULTS A path analysis showed that the culturally adapted religious coping strategies of seeking the support of Rabbis and seeking the support of God had a strong correlation with reduced psychological distress, but not with enhanced psychological well-being. Seeking approval and recognition from the community was correlated with reduced distress and enhanced well-being. However, seeking ties and belonging to the community was correlated with increased psychological distress and reduced psychological well-being. Finally, women without children experienced greater psychological distress than women with children and sought more support of Rabbis and fewer ties with the community. CONCLUSIONS In a pronatalist culture that sanctifies childbirth, infertility is a source of significant distress. Professionals' awareness of the culturally adapted religious coping strategies utilized by their clients may help them conduct culturally sensitive intervention, which may greatly help to enhance emotional adjustment. Future research is recommended to develop instruments that measure culturally adapted strategies and their influence on emotional adjustment over time, in different states of health while comparing different cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Nouman
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Yael Benyamini
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Van Damme S, Kindt S, Crombez G, Goubert L, Debruyne J. The relation between goal adjustment, goal disturbance, and mental well-being among persons with multiple sclerosis. Psychol Health 2019; 34:645-660. [PMID: 30688085 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2018.1556272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the role of goal adjustment, i.e. disengaging from blocked goals and reengaging into alternative goals, in mental well-being and goal disturbance in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN A cross-sectional design was used with self-report data from questionnaires and Personal Project Analysis (PPA). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Dependent variables were mental well-being, indicated by depression/anxiety (HADS; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and mental functioning (SF-36; Short Form Health Survey), and goal disturbance, indicated by goal manageability and goal interference (PPA). Independent variables were patient-reported physical impairment (SF-36) and goal disengagement and reengagement (GAS; Goal Adjustment Scale). RESULTS Higher goal reengagement was associated with better mental well-being, but unrelated to goal disturbance. Goal disengagement only showed a negative association with anxiety. High disengagement was associated with lower goal interference but only for those also scoring high on reengagement. Goal adjustment did not buffer the effects of physical impairment on mental well-being and goal disturbance. Contrary to expectations, higher goal reengagement increased the association between physical impairment and goal interference. CONCLUSION Although goal reengagement is associated with better mental well-being in persons with MS, it might also strengthen the perceived effect of physical impairment on goal interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefaan Van Damme
- a Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Sara Kindt
- a Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Geert Crombez
- a Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Liesbet Goubert
- a Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Jan Debruyne
- b Department of Neurology , Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium
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Abstract
PURPOSE The special issue on Women's Reproductive Health in Cultural Context covers multiple dimensions of women's reproductive health and how it might be shaped by cultural meanings, social and gender inequities, and power differentials, employing a variety of methodological approaches. On the one hand, it aims to bring to the forefront the conversation about how women's health is uniquely experienced and constructed in local settings, and on the other hand, it aims to draw broader conclusions from a perspective of interconnectedness of women and the shared issues that they face. METHODS AND RESULTS The special issue was initiated through a call for submissions and includes ten articles on the topic of women's reproductive health in cultural context. CONCLUSIONS The articles provide many insights into how the context in which they live can disadvantage women and endanger their health, as well as offer perspectives on women's resistance to disempowering and stigmatizing discourses and practices. It aims to be of interest to scholars in behavioral medicine, psychology, and other social sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Benyamini
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Irina Todorova
- Health Psychology Research Center, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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