The lived experience of childless couples

Date of Completion

1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Keywords

Reproductive Behavior, Childless Couple, Marriage, Infertility

Abstract

This study used the phenomenological approach of qualitative research. The researchers personally interviewed the informants, using tape recorder. The researchers asked one grand tour, broad open ended question: “How do you feel about your inability to have a child?” Data was analyzed using Collaizzi’s (1978) method. Based on the findings, four themes were derived from theme clusters, which contained the significant statements of childless couples and their formulated meanings. The different themes identified were as follows: First, the different types of emotions experienced by childless couples such as (a) emptiness, (b) hopefulness, and contentment. Second, the different strategies made by the couples to have children were joining the fertility rites of dancing in Obando, Bulacan, saying novena to Saints and going to doctors and faith healers. Third, the different coping strategies employed by childless couples as (a) substitutional/diversional activities, (b) fatalistic view, (c) rationalization. Fourth, the couples’ conceptions on being childless which included these advantages: (a) the couple spent more time with one another, (b) they had less financial expenses, (c) children were strong bond to the family and (d) the absence of children never became the cause of misunderstanding and conflict. The disadvantages were: (a) they had to take care of their children, (b) they spend less time with one another, (c) they felt lonely because of the absence of a child, (d) rearing of children required more financial demands.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS