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An exploration of spirituality among women experiencing infertility
by Kress, Anna, PsyD, ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, SAN DIEGO, 2005, 0 pages; 3184403
 

Abstract: Spirituality among eight women experiencing infertility was explored qualitatively. The women chosen did not have any biological or adopted children. They reported that spirituality played an important role in their lives either currently or in the past. The participants were interviewed and administered the Religious Coping Activities Scales, the Religious Problem Solving Scales: Short Form, and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Narrative data was analyzed using the grounded theory method. Eight core themes were identified. The themes included: (1) spiritual response categories, (2) the idea of God's plan, (3) questioning God, (4) anger towards God, (5) openness to a new form of spirituality, (6) infertility as God's punishment, (7) support from Church, and (8) unanswered prayers. A theory emerged based on the main theme identified in the study. The theory suggests that the participant's spiritual responses to infertility are dynamic but can be classified into one of three categories: conflict, coping, and growth. Since the study was qualitative, it is inherently limited by its small sample size and possible researcher bias. However, implications for clinical practice are discussed extensively.

 
Advisor: Ribner, Neil
School: ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, SAN DIEGO
Source: DAI-B 66/07, p. 3951, Jan 2006
Source Type: PsyD
Subjects: Psychotherapy; Religion; Gynecology
Publication Number: 3184403
     
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