Degree Name
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
8-2023
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Julia Dodd
Committee Members
Judy McCook, Diana Morelen, Stacey Williams
Abstract
Infertility impacts numerous individuals during their reproductive journey. Yet, there is little research and information available that examines if having a history of infertility goes on to have further implications after an individual conceives and gives birth. Thus, the current study aimed to examine if infertility impacts the postpartum period, and if there were any particular risk or resiliency factors that contributed to this relationship. In this study, women aged 18 to 50, who had given birth within the last 12 months, participated in an online survey that assessed a variety of physical and mental health constructs. Overall, results largely exemplified that infertility does not go on to impact postpartum adjustment within in this particular sample of women who identified as having higher levels of education, perceived SES, and income. However, many of the covariates, such as SES, did correlate with postpartum outcomes. Findings highlight the resilience of this sample of women, despite previously experiencing stressful events.
Document Type
Dissertation - embargo
Recommended Citation
Hinkle, Madison, "Strong as a Mother: The Resilience of Women Who Have Previously Experienced Infertility" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4239. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4239
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.