Grief and Bereavement in Infertility and Involuntary Childlessness

By : Ashvini Kumar Singh, Shoba Sara James

Page No: 297-305

Abstract
Childlessness from infertility has been known to affect one in twenty couples from various studies conducted world over. Research studies have identified impacts on infertility on such couples. One of the impacts identified was the effect of grief and process of bereavement commonly seen. This paper is a study about grief among involuntarily childless married couples; to assess narratives from infertile couples receiving treatment for infertility about grief due to childlessness. In-depth interview was conducted with six couples (n=6) undertaking treatment at speciality centre. Couples where one partner diagnosed with infertility were identified. Qualitative content analysis of the data obtained through in-depth interviews was done. Data was coded into themes. Thematic analysis of one of the themes; Grief and bereavement has been discussed through narratives. Anticipatory and disenfranchised grief is seen among such couples after the inability to successfully carry out a pregnancy. There is no process of grieving as is observed following the death of an alive person. The couples experience the process as the loss of a potential in being able to conceive a child of their own.

Authors :
Shoba Sara James : PhD Scholar — Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi -110025.
Ashvini Kumar Singh : Assistant Professor — Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi -110025.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2018.13.02.4