On the attribution of meaning to the condition of infertility: An analysis of individuals' and couples' language behaviors
Abstract
This study explored the meaning a diagnosis of infertility had for an individual and couple. A phenomenological, meaning-centered investigation was used that examined the language individuals used when discussing fertility difficulties. A two-stage, interpretive research design was used to ascertain the attributed meaning to a diagnosis of infertility. In the first stage of the study, the participants were asked to discuss what infertility meant to them. The composite data (language subjects used to describe their attributed meaning to their infertility condition) were analyzed using Kenneth Burke's method of indexing. In the second stage of this project, subjects were asked to evaluate the results revealed through the first stage. Based on their agreement, disagreement, or qualifications, the data were analyzed for level of intersubjective agreement between spouses, gender differences, and differences in meaning attributions related to demographic factors. The two-stage methodology met the necessities for factors. The two-stage methodology met the necessities for reliability and validity. The analysis of data from both stages of investigation revealed seven conclusions: the indexing method (Burke, 1964) was a viable methodology; the two-stage interview process was a viable method for establishing reliability and validity; men and women do "talk" about infertility in similar terms, however, the subjective salience attributed to their words differ along gender lines; men and women use different coping strategies in an effort to reduce the stresses of the infertility situation; there is a positive relationship between degree of intersubjective agreement and couples reported marital satisfaction; the meaning attributed to the condition of infertility is not static; and the nature of the change in meanings attributed to the situation of infertility is cyclical.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Denton, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Physiological psychology|Communication|Social psychology
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.