Abstract
This paper examines the crisis of infertility; takes into account several theoretical considerations, exploring the socially constructed cultural-historical definitions of infertility and the definitions and meanings which flow from these constructions; the family life cycle Stressors which influence the couple's psychological reaction; and the mourning and grieving process of infertility. Therapeutic interventions using a constructivist theoretical framework are presented. By assisting the couple to reconstruct the crisis of infertility, over a period of time, family therapists can help couples to visualize a future in which the fertility problem plays a minor role.
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Steven Dobkin, MA, holds a master's degree in marriage and family counseling from Hofstra University.
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Atwood, J.D., Dobkin, S. Storm clouds are coming: Ways to help couples reconstruct the crisis of infertility. Contemp Fam Ther 14, 385–403 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00895055
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00895055