Maternal Identity in Previously Infertile and Never Infertile Women

Author

Christal L. Saffee, Grand Valley State University

Date Approved

1999

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Degree Program

College of Nursing

Abstract

M the United States approximately one in five couples are infertile. Infertility can be a major life crisis to the affected individuals. This study compared the difference in maternal identity in previously infertile women as compared to never infertile women during the postpartum period. The conceptual framework used in this study was symbolic interactionist theory. Maternal identity was measured by Myself as Mother (Walker, 1977) scale in both groups of women. Demographic information was collected on each participant in the study. Previously infertile women's maternal identity scores were significantly lower than those scores of fertile women (t=-8.63 df=51 p=.00). This is a particularly important area of research for nursing because the nurse depends on knowledge of this type as the basis for assessment and planning interventions.

Comments

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ScholarWorks Citation

Saffee, Christal L., "Maternal Identity in Previously Infertile and Never Infertile Women" (1999). Masters Theses. 459.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/459