Abstract
This study investigates the psychological effects of infertility on women with the purpose of aiding mental health professionals to more fully understand this phenomenon. It illustrates, both from the review of the literature and the interviews conducted, that these effects could be defined in reference to 11 themes which continually emerged.
Five women were interviewed in the pilot study; ten in the research study. The design of the interviews was open-ended; the method was inductive. Results of the study illustrate the profound need felt by the subjects for deeper understanding and compassion. Recommendations for appropriate interventions are made.
