A1 Journal article (refereed)
Infertility as a lonely struggle? : Coping stories of previously infertile women (2023)

Lehto, S., Sevón, E., Laakso, M.-L., & Rönkä, A. (2023). Infertility as a lonely struggle? : Coping stories of previously infertile women. Health Care for Women International, 44(4), 397-417. https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2021.2007246

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Lehto, Siru; Sevón, Eija; Laakso, Marja-Leena; Rönkä, Anna

Journal or series: Health Care for Women International

ISSN: 0739-9332

eISSN: 1096-4665

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 22/12/2021

Volume: 44

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 397-417

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2021.2007246

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79322

Abstract

In this narrative study, we explored the meaning infertile women attribute to social support in coping with their infertility-related challenges. Written accounts and episodic interviews with 26 previously infertile Finnish women were used as data. Two different coping story types emerged: coping alone and coping with support. In the coping alone type women neither sought nor received support. Their coping appeared as a lonely struggle. In the coping with stories, women turned to their spouses, peers, or professionals, but still emphasized that they would have needed more support. Based on our findings, we underline the need for individually tailored support.

Keywords: childlessness; infertility; infertility treatment; coping; social support; maternity; narrative analysis

Free keywords: coping; fertility treatments; infertility; motherhood; narrative study; social support

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1