The family in flux: a mixed methods study on men’s experiences of antenatal genetic screening

Dheensa, Sandi (2012). The family in flux: a mixed methods study on men’s experiences of antenatal genetic screening. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Women’s views of antenatal screening have been widely researched, but men’s remain under-explored. The original contribution of this research was to conduct a mixed-methods study about men’s experiences specifically. In-depth interviews were firstly conducted with twelve men. Six women were interviewed about their views on men’s involvement. A grounded theory was developed, which was that men began developing a prenatal paternal identity and a schema of their child. These conceptualisations were reinforced or distorted by screening, causing their ideas and feelings about their growing family to be in a state of flux. To explore this theory with a more diverse group, a questionnaire was designed, pretested (n=30), piloted (n=53) and administered to 200 men. Exploratory factor analysis showed prenatal paternal identity and child-schema consisted of ‘bonding and closeness’, ‘genetic relationship’ and ‘imagined interactions’. Regression analyses showed investing time in screening, seeing more ultrasound scans, and making screening decisions, predicted higher scores on ‘bonding and closeness’. Investing time and being younger predicted higher scores on ‘genetic relationship’. Investing time, feeling fetal movements, being of a higher socioeconomic status and being younger predicted higher scores on ‘imagined interactions’. Longitudinal research is now required to identify implications for men, women and children.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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