Experiences of involuntary childlessness and treatment in the UK: what has changed in 20 years?
Article
Payne, N., Seenan, S. and van den Akker, O. 2021. Experiences of involuntary childlessness and treatment in the UK: what has changed in 20 years? Human Fertility. 24 (5), pp. 333-340. https://doi.org/10.1080/14647273.2019.1687946
Type | Article |
---|---|
Title | Experiences of involuntary childlessness and treatment in the UK: what has changed in 20 years? |
Authors | Payne, N., Seenan, S. and van den Akker, O. |
Abstract | This study examined the financial, emotional and relationship impacts of involuntary childlessness and treatment, and satisfaction with support from professionals. 796 participants in the UK completed an online survey based on a survey conducted in 1997. 55% of participants had to pay for at least part of their treatment. High levels of distress were experienced and 42% experienced suicidal feelings at least occasionally. Those most at risk of suffering distress and suicidal feelings at some point had only experienced unsuccessful treatment outcomes, spent longer trying to conceive and experienced some relationship strains. 75% would like to have counselling if it were free but 45% received counselling and 54% of these had to fund some of it themselves. Thus although advances have been made in the availability of funded treatment and psychological support, involuntary childlessness and treatment continue to have financial, emotional and relationship consequences for many people. While counselling was generally reported to be useful, a whole clinic approach involving all fertility clinic staff in the psychosocial care of clients is advisable. |
Keywords | Involuntary childlessness; fertility treatment; distress; counselling; support; funding |
Research Group | Applied Health Psychology group |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
Journal | Human Fertility |
ISSN | 1464-7273 |
Electronic | 1742-8149 |
Publication dates | |
Online | 11 Nov 2019 |
20 Oct 2021 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 08 Jul 2019 |
Accepted | 04 Jul 2019 |
Submitted | 25 Jul 2017 |
Output status | Published |
Accepted author manuscript | |
Copyright Statement | This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Human Fertility on 11/11/2019, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/14647273.2019.1687946 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/14647273.2019.1687946 |
Web of Science identifier | WOS:000495524400001 |
Language | English |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/8859w
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