Motives for parenthood, psychosocial factors and health in women undergoing IVF

Abstract

The motives for parenthood were explored in a study of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment (n = 142) and fertile pregnant women (n = 118). A scale—the Parenthood Motivation Scale (PMS)—was developed, measuring six motives: Continuity, Nurturance, Relationship, Identity, Social Pressure, and Materialism. The study compared English (n = 113) and Greek women (n = 29) undergoing IVF with 118 fertile pregnant English women. The Greek and English samples differed in parenthood motivation and coping strategies and both exhibited higher levels of distress (as measured by the GHQ‐12) and lower perceived social support than the fertile pregnant group. In addition, parenthood motivation is related to coping strategies and perceived support. The findings indicate a potential for education and counselling prospective IVF couples and the possibility of stress reduction interventions.