Date of Paper

5-2016

Type of Paper

Clinical research paper

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Kari L. Fletcher

Department/School

Social Work

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how providers can support women who are experiencing infertility. Seven licensed professionals including social workers, family and marriage therapists, psychologists and doctors with experience working directly with women experiencing infertility participated in this study. Using a qualitative design, participants were interviewed regarding their experience working with women going through infertility. Content analysis was used to analyze the recordings of the interviews and to identify themes that emerged throughout the data. Three major themes emerged from the data including the need for support, education, and continued care. The themes found in this study support previous research including the need for peer, partner and provider support as well as the need for education and integrative care within the fertility world. This study diverged from previous literature on the need for continued care for women following successful fertility treatment as they encounter the many challenges of motherhood and highlighted the need for future research. This study emphasizes the need for social workers to have a strong understanding of the impact that infertility has on women in order to provide effective care and support.

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