The role of motherhood schemas and life transitions in reproductive intention formation.
Fertility intentions
life transitions
motherhood
parenthood
reproductive decisions
Journal
Journal of reproductive and infant psychology
ISSN: 1469-672X
Titre abrégé: J Reprod Infant Psychol
Pays: England
ID NLM: 8501885
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
11 2022
11 2022
Historique:
pubmed:
13
4
2021
medline:
28
10
2022
entrez:
12
4
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
This study provides a theory-based snapshot of the processes involved in women's fertility intention formation and decisions regarding the timing of motherhood. The trend to defer childbearing is linked with both empowering and challenging outcomes for women. The cognitive-social (C-S) model suggests that deliberative thinking regarding reproduction occurs following fertility-relevant life transitions, which results in fluctuations in motherhood schemas and fertility intentions. This framework was applied to explore fertility intention formation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve women who either had children or desired children. Two overarching themes central to the C-S model are discussed: (a) passive expectations and (b) deliberative intentions. Women's motherhood schemas were often underpinned by schematic structures (e.g. group norms and scripts) and material structures (e.g. observational influences). Life transitions and personal experiences tended to prompt deliberative thinking about motherhood plans. The results were generally consistent with the C-S model, but highlight complexities to consider when investigating fertility expectations and intentions.
Sections du résumé
OBJECTIVE
This study provides a theory-based snapshot of the processes involved in women's fertility intention formation and decisions regarding the timing of motherhood.
BACKGROUND
The trend to defer childbearing is linked with both empowering and challenging outcomes for women. The cognitive-social (C-S) model suggests that deliberative thinking regarding reproduction occurs following fertility-relevant life transitions, which results in fluctuations in motherhood schemas and fertility intentions. This framework was applied to explore fertility intention formation.
METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve women who either had children or desired children.
RESULTS
Two overarching themes central to the C-S model are discussed: (a) passive expectations and (b) deliberative intentions. Women's motherhood schemas were often underpinned by schematic structures (e.g. group norms and scripts) and material structures (e.g. observational influences). Life transitions and personal experiences tended to prompt deliberative thinking about motherhood plans.
CONCLUSION
The results were generally consistent with the C-S model, but highlight complexities to consider when investigating fertility expectations and intentions.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33843372
doi: 10.1080/02646838.2021.1892044
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM