Exploring the Experiences of Four Men Living with Involuntary Childlessness in Midlife.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Fieldsend, Megumi; Smith, Jonathan A.
- Source
- Journal of Loss & Trauma; Jan 2022, Vol. 27 Issue 1, p49-62, 14p, 2 Charts
- Subject
- Grief
Research methodology
Attitude (Psychology)
Group identity
Experience
Qualitative research
Interpersonal relations
Childlessness
Psychology of men
Interviewing
Activities of daily living
Middle age
United Kingdom
- Language
- ISSN
- 15325024
While considerable research has focused on medicalized infertility for women living with involuntary childlessness, far less attention has been placed on men. This exploratory study focuses on four British men using data collected through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, and four over-arching themes emerged: personal impact of loss; losing interpersonal connections; turning loss into inner strength; and reforming identity through nurturing relationships. The findings highlight the men's grief over their loss and the meaning-making to their everyday lives, adding experiential understanding helpful for health professionals and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]