Reproductive Health Psychology
1. Edition March 2012
378 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
ISBN:
978-0-470-68338-5
John Wiley & Sons
Short Description
Bringing together the most up-to-date and relevant interdisciplinary research, this book provides a resource for health professionals and students studying social work or for the health professions. This is a complete guide with a comprehensive theoretical background in the psychology of reproductive health. The book addresses the psychological impacts of reproduction, pregnancy, maternity, and birth, as well as adjustment to life after pregnancy failure, abortion, and childbirth. In addition to addressing physical events, Reproductive Health Psychology also addresses sociological contexts such as poverty, educational and economic status, age, and urban vs. rural access.
This volume provides a comprehensive, up-to-date theoretical and empirical background to the psychology of reproductive health.
* Provides a life span perspective of the psychology of reproductive health and its disorders, from menarche to menopause and reproductive health in older age
* Focuses on issues of the individual's reproductive health experience, including reproduction, pregnancy, maternity, and birth, as well as conditions such as PMDD, dysmenorrhea, and events including pregnancy failure, and abortion
* Acknowledges the wider social context with discussions of poverty, inequality, educational and economic status, age, and urban versus rural access
* Addresses life style related factors, human rights to choice, information and access, fertility control and reproductive health regulation and health care services
* Illustrates topics with empirical data supported with tables and figures
Preface xiii
Facts xvi
Acknowledgements xvii
Part 1 Psychology of Reproductive Health 1
1 Introduction to the Psychology of Reproductive Health 3
1.1 Maternal Morbidity and Mortality 4
1.2 Age Shifts and Reproductive Consequences 4
1.3 Interactions between Socioeconomic, Behavioural, Biological and Genetic
Factors and Reproductive Health 6
1.4 Summary 13
1.5 References 13
2 Psychological Theories of Health and Illness 17
2.1 Twentieth-century Psychological Models Applied to Health and Illness 17
2.2 Health Psychological Models 18
2.3 Changing Health Status 25
2.4 Concepts Used in Health Psychology 25
2.5 Stress, Coping and Appraisal 26
2.6 Cross-cultural Differences 27
2.7 Ethical Issues 28
2.8 Counselling, Advice and Support 29
2.9 Methodologies 30
2.10 Summary 30
2.11 References 31
Part 2 Psychological Processes of Early Growth and Development 33
3 Growth and Development 35
3.1 Foetal Growth and Development 35
3.2 Infant and Child Growth and Development 36
3.3 Causes of Signifi cant Variations in Growth and Development 37
3.4 Manipulations of Growth and Development 37
3.5 Disability 38
3.6 Gender Development 39
3.7 Causes of Signifi cant Variations in Sex and Gender 40
3.8 Epidemiology 41
3.9 Screening / Assessment 41
3.10 Theories / Models 43
3.11 Treatment / Management 45
3.12 Guidelines 46
3.13 Summary 46
3.14 References 47
4 Adolescent Development 50
4.1 Behavioural Factors Infl uencing Reproductive Health Outcome 50
4.2 Epidemiology 50
4.3 Sexual Development 52
4.4 Effects of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Behaviours 52
4.5 Treatments / Interventions 53
4.6 Theories / Models 54
4.7 Disease and Treatment Effects on Adolescent's Reproductive Health Outcomes 56
4.8 Individual, Household and Family 56
4.9 Guidelines 57
4.10 Interventions 58
4.11 Summary 58
4.12 References 59
Part 3 Psychological Factors of Menarche, Sexual and Reproductive Development 63
5 The Menstrual Cycle 65
5.1 Menarche 65
5.2 Menstruation 66
5.3 The Effects of Eating Disorders on the Menstrual Cycle 67
5.4 The Effects of Exercise on the Menstrual Cycle 68
5.5 The Effects of Nutrition on the Menstrual Cycle 69
5.6 Menstrual Cycle Disorders 71
5.7 Treatment / Management 73
5.8 Summary 75
5.9 Reference 75
6 Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder 79
6.1 Epidemiology 79
6.2 Defi nition 79
6.3 Assessment / Measurement 81
6.4 Theories / Models 82
6.5 Characteristics of Women with PMDD / PMS 82
6.6 Effects of PMDD / PMS 83
6.7 Attributions of Symptoms to the Menstrual Cycle 85
6.8 Treatment for PMDD / PMS 85
6.9 Summary 86
6.10 References 86
7 Sex and Contraception 90
7.1 Sexual Behaviour 90
7.2 Sexual Dysfunction / Disease 91
7.3 Epidemiology 92
7.4 Interventions / Treatments 92
7.5 Contraception 93
7.6 Defi nition 93
7.7 Contraceptive Use 94
7.8 Safe Sex / Contraceptives Behaviours 94
7.9 Effects of Risky Sexual Behaviours 96
7.10 Processes and Factors Affecting the Problem 96
7.11 Theories / Models 97
7.12 Treatment / Management 99
7.13 Guidelines 99
7.14 Summary 100
7.15 References 100
8 Reproduction and Fertility 104
8.1 Defi nition 105
8.2 Lifestyle Factors Affecting Reproduction 106
8.3 Treatment / Management 113
8.4 Reproductive Health Promotion 114
8.5 Policy / Guidelines 115
8.6 Summary 115
8.7 References 115
Part 4 The Psychological Context of Infertility 119
9 Infertility 121
9.1 Epidemiology 122
9.2 Causes of Infertility 122
9.3 Behavioural and Lifestyle Factors 122
9.4 Infertility in Children and Young Adults Treated for Serious Illness 123
9.5 Behavioural Processes and Factors Affecting Infertility 126
9.6 Age Effects on Reproduction 127
9.7 Theories / Models 128
9.8 Gender and Cultural Differences 133
9.9 Coping with the Psychological Effects of Infertility 134
9.10 Social Support 136
9.11 Summary 137
9.12 References 137
10 Overcoming Involuntary Childlessness and Assisted Conception 144
10.1 Epidemiology 145
10.2 Effects of Lifestyle Factors on Treatment 146
10.3 Treatment / Management 148
10.4 Defi nitions and Consequences of Treatments 149
10.5 Adoption 165
10.6 Treatment Abroad 166
10.7 Ethical Issues 168
10.8 Giving Up Treatment 168
10.9 Counselling 169
10.10 Guidelines / Policy 169
10.11 Summary 170
10.12 References 170
x Contents
Part 5 Psychological Processes of Fertility and Pregnancy 181
11 Pregnancy 183
11.1 Behavioural Factors 184
11.2 Lifestyle Factors 185
11.3 Psychological Factors 191
11.4 Social and Cultural Factors 192
11.5 Diffi cult Pregnancies 194
11.6 Effects of Maternal Mood on the Foetus 196
11.7 Partners of Pregnant Women 196
11.8 Theories / Models 197
11.9 Guidelines 197
11.10 Summary 198
11.11 References 198
12 Screening 207
12.1 Screening for Foetal Health 208
12.2 Screening Tests 208
12.3 Reasons for Uptake of Tests 210
12.4 The Consequences of Taking the Tests 211
12.5 Theories / Models 212
12.6 The Social Impact 215
12.7 Policy / Guidelines 215
12.8 Sex Selection 216
12.9 Foetal Reduction 217
12.10 Foeticide 218
12.11 Summary 218
12.12 References 218
13 Miscarriage 222
13.1 Defi nition 222
13.2 Epidemiology 223
13.3 Causes / Risk Factors 223
13.4 Theories / Models 225
13.5 Effects of Miscarriage 227
13.6 Monitoring / Assessment 232
13.7 Treatment / Interventions 233
13.8 Summary 234
13.9 References 235
14 Abortion 241
14.1 Abortion Procedures 241
14.2 Epidemiology 242
14.3 Legalization 242
14.4 Attitudes to Abortion 243
14.5 Abortion for Sex Selection 244
14.6 Abortion for Social Reasons 244
14.7 Abortion for Medical Reasons 245
14.8 Characteristics of Women Having Abortions 246
14.9 Psychological Effects 247
14.10 Partners of Women Having an Abortion 248
14.11 Theories / Models 249
14.12 Treatment / Interventions 250
14.13 Guidelines 251
14.14 Summary 252
14.15 References 252
Part 6 The Psychology of the Puerperium and Parenting 259
15 Labour and Delivery 261
15.1 Childbirth 261
15.2 Interventions 263
15.3 The Experience of Childbirth as a Traumatic Event 264
15.4 Preterm Labour / Delivery Complications 266
15.5 Perinatal Death 268
15.6 Summary 268
15.7 References 268
16 Perinatal Anxiety Disorders 272
16.1 Defi nitions 272
16.2 Epidemiology 274
16.3 Causes of Perinatal Anxiety Disorders 274
16.4 Theories / Models 275
16.5 Treatment / Management 275
16.6 Summary 276
16.7 References 276
17 Perinatal Depressive Disorders 279
17.1 The Baby Blues 279
17.2 Maternal Postnatal Depression 280
17.3 Paternal Postnatal Depression 288
17.4 Puerperal Psychosis 288
17.5 Summary 289
17.6 References 289
18 Parenting and the Postnatal Period 295
18.1 Effects of Parenting 295
18.2 Parenting Practices 296
18.3 Adjustment to Parenthood 297
18.4 Theories / Models 298
18.5 Gender Roles 299
18.6 Decision to Become Parents 300
18.7 Transition to Parenthood 302
18.8 Summary 307
18.9 References 308
Part 7 Psychological Factors of Menopause, Sex and Reproduction in Later Life 315
19 Menopause 317
19.1 The Menopause and Health 317
19.2 Defi nition 318
19.3 Causes of Menopausal Distress / Discomfort 319
19.4 Epidemiology 321
19.5 Screening / Assessment 321
19.6 Theories / Models 322
19.7 Processes and Factors Affecting the Problem 323
19.8 Treatment / Management 324
19.9 Guidelines 327
19.10 Summary 327
19.11 References 328
20 Ageing and Sexual Behaviours and Sexual Health 333
20.1 Factors Affecting the Sexual Health of Older People 333
20.2 Attitudes to Sex in Older People 334
20.3 Sexual Health Education 335
20.4 Effects of Ignorance / Problems with Sex 335
20.5 Health Risks 337
20.6 Theories / Models 338
20.7 Treatment / Management 339
20.8 Policy / Guidelines 340
20.9 Summary 341
20.10 References 341
21 Ageing and Reproduction 344
21.1 Epidemiology 345
21.2 Characteristics of Older People Seeking Assisted Conception 345
21.3 Reproductive Choice and Reproductive Rights 346
21.4 Reproductive Health of Older People 347
21.5 Reproductive Outcomes 348
21.6 Screening / Assessment 349
21.7 Treatment / Management 349
21.8 Theories / Models 350
21.9 Policy / Guidelines 350
21.10 Summary 350
21.11 References 351
Index 353
Facts xvi
Acknowledgements xvii
Part 1 Psychology of Reproductive Health 1
1 Introduction to the Psychology of Reproductive Health 3
1.1 Maternal Morbidity and Mortality 4
1.2 Age Shifts and Reproductive Consequences 4
1.3 Interactions between Socioeconomic, Behavioural, Biological and Genetic
Factors and Reproductive Health 6
1.4 Summary 13
1.5 References 13
2 Psychological Theories of Health and Illness 17
2.1 Twentieth-century Psychological Models Applied to Health and Illness 17
2.2 Health Psychological Models 18
2.3 Changing Health Status 25
2.4 Concepts Used in Health Psychology 25
2.5 Stress, Coping and Appraisal 26
2.6 Cross-cultural Differences 27
2.7 Ethical Issues 28
2.8 Counselling, Advice and Support 29
2.9 Methodologies 30
2.10 Summary 30
2.11 References 31
Part 2 Psychological Processes of Early Growth and Development 33
3 Growth and Development 35
3.1 Foetal Growth and Development 35
3.2 Infant and Child Growth and Development 36
3.3 Causes of Signifi cant Variations in Growth and Development 37
3.4 Manipulations of Growth and Development 37
3.5 Disability 38
3.6 Gender Development 39
3.7 Causes of Signifi cant Variations in Sex and Gender 40
3.8 Epidemiology 41
3.9 Screening / Assessment 41
3.10 Theories / Models 43
3.11 Treatment / Management 45
3.12 Guidelines 46
3.13 Summary 46
3.14 References 47
4 Adolescent Development 50
4.1 Behavioural Factors Infl uencing Reproductive Health Outcome 50
4.2 Epidemiology 50
4.3 Sexual Development 52
4.4 Effects of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Behaviours 52
4.5 Treatments / Interventions 53
4.6 Theories / Models 54
4.7 Disease and Treatment Effects on Adolescent's Reproductive Health Outcomes 56
4.8 Individual, Household and Family 56
4.9 Guidelines 57
4.10 Interventions 58
4.11 Summary 58
4.12 References 59
Part 3 Psychological Factors of Menarche, Sexual and Reproductive Development 63
5 The Menstrual Cycle 65
5.1 Menarche 65
5.2 Menstruation 66
5.3 The Effects of Eating Disorders on the Menstrual Cycle 67
5.4 The Effects of Exercise on the Menstrual Cycle 68
5.5 The Effects of Nutrition on the Menstrual Cycle 69
5.6 Menstrual Cycle Disorders 71
5.7 Treatment / Management 73
5.8 Summary 75
5.9 Reference 75
6 Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder 79
6.1 Epidemiology 79
6.2 Defi nition 79
6.3 Assessment / Measurement 81
6.4 Theories / Models 82
6.5 Characteristics of Women with PMDD / PMS 82
6.6 Effects of PMDD / PMS 83
6.7 Attributions of Symptoms to the Menstrual Cycle 85
6.8 Treatment for PMDD / PMS 85
6.9 Summary 86
6.10 References 86
7 Sex and Contraception 90
7.1 Sexual Behaviour 90
7.2 Sexual Dysfunction / Disease 91
7.3 Epidemiology 92
7.4 Interventions / Treatments 92
7.5 Contraception 93
7.6 Defi nition 93
7.7 Contraceptive Use 94
7.8 Safe Sex / Contraceptives Behaviours 94
7.9 Effects of Risky Sexual Behaviours 96
7.10 Processes and Factors Affecting the Problem 96
7.11 Theories / Models 97
7.12 Treatment / Management 99
7.13 Guidelines 99
7.14 Summary 100
7.15 References 100
8 Reproduction and Fertility 104
8.1 Defi nition 105
8.2 Lifestyle Factors Affecting Reproduction 106
8.3 Treatment / Management 113
8.4 Reproductive Health Promotion 114
8.5 Policy / Guidelines 115
8.6 Summary 115
8.7 References 115
Part 4 The Psychological Context of Infertility 119
9 Infertility 121
9.1 Epidemiology 122
9.2 Causes of Infertility 122
9.3 Behavioural and Lifestyle Factors 122
9.4 Infertility in Children and Young Adults Treated for Serious Illness 123
9.5 Behavioural Processes and Factors Affecting Infertility 126
9.6 Age Effects on Reproduction 127
9.7 Theories / Models 128
9.8 Gender and Cultural Differences 133
9.9 Coping with the Psychological Effects of Infertility 134
9.10 Social Support 136
9.11 Summary 137
9.12 References 137
10 Overcoming Involuntary Childlessness and Assisted Conception 144
10.1 Epidemiology 145
10.2 Effects of Lifestyle Factors on Treatment 146
10.3 Treatment / Management 148
10.4 Defi nitions and Consequences of Treatments 149
10.5 Adoption 165
10.6 Treatment Abroad 166
10.7 Ethical Issues 168
10.8 Giving Up Treatment 168
10.9 Counselling 169
10.10 Guidelines / Policy 169
10.11 Summary 170
10.12 References 170
x Contents
Part 5 Psychological Processes of Fertility and Pregnancy 181
11 Pregnancy 183
11.1 Behavioural Factors 184
11.2 Lifestyle Factors 185
11.3 Psychological Factors 191
11.4 Social and Cultural Factors 192
11.5 Diffi cult Pregnancies 194
11.6 Effects of Maternal Mood on the Foetus 196
11.7 Partners of Pregnant Women 196
11.8 Theories / Models 197
11.9 Guidelines 197
11.10 Summary 198
11.11 References 198
12 Screening 207
12.1 Screening for Foetal Health 208
12.2 Screening Tests 208
12.3 Reasons for Uptake of Tests 210
12.4 The Consequences of Taking the Tests 211
12.5 Theories / Models 212
12.6 The Social Impact 215
12.7 Policy / Guidelines 215
12.8 Sex Selection 216
12.9 Foetal Reduction 217
12.10 Foeticide 218
12.11 Summary 218
12.12 References 218
13 Miscarriage 222
13.1 Defi nition 222
13.2 Epidemiology 223
13.3 Causes / Risk Factors 223
13.4 Theories / Models 225
13.5 Effects of Miscarriage 227
13.6 Monitoring / Assessment 232
13.7 Treatment / Interventions 233
13.8 Summary 234
13.9 References 235
14 Abortion 241
14.1 Abortion Procedures 241
14.2 Epidemiology 242
14.3 Legalization 242
14.4 Attitudes to Abortion 243
14.5 Abortion for Sex Selection 244
14.6 Abortion for Social Reasons 244
14.7 Abortion for Medical Reasons 245
14.8 Characteristics of Women Having Abortions 246
14.9 Psychological Effects 247
14.10 Partners of Women Having an Abortion 248
14.11 Theories / Models 249
14.12 Treatment / Interventions 250
14.13 Guidelines 251
14.14 Summary 252
14.15 References 252
Part 6 The Psychology of the Puerperium and Parenting 259
15 Labour and Delivery 261
15.1 Childbirth 261
15.2 Interventions 263
15.3 The Experience of Childbirth as a Traumatic Event 264
15.4 Preterm Labour / Delivery Complications 266
15.5 Perinatal Death 268
15.6 Summary 268
15.7 References 268
16 Perinatal Anxiety Disorders 272
16.1 Defi nitions 272
16.2 Epidemiology 274
16.3 Causes of Perinatal Anxiety Disorders 274
16.4 Theories / Models 275
16.5 Treatment / Management 275
16.6 Summary 276
16.7 References 276
17 Perinatal Depressive Disorders 279
17.1 The Baby Blues 279
17.2 Maternal Postnatal Depression 280
17.3 Paternal Postnatal Depression 288
17.4 Puerperal Psychosis 288
17.5 Summary 289
17.6 References 289
18 Parenting and the Postnatal Period 295
18.1 Effects of Parenting 295
18.2 Parenting Practices 296
18.3 Adjustment to Parenthood 297
18.4 Theories / Models 298
18.5 Gender Roles 299
18.6 Decision to Become Parents 300
18.7 Transition to Parenthood 302
18.8 Summary 307
18.9 References 308
Part 7 Psychological Factors of Menopause, Sex and Reproduction in Later Life 315
19 Menopause 317
19.1 The Menopause and Health 317
19.2 Defi nition 318
19.3 Causes of Menopausal Distress / Discomfort 319
19.4 Epidemiology 321
19.5 Screening / Assessment 321
19.6 Theories / Models 322
19.7 Processes and Factors Affecting the Problem 323
19.8 Treatment / Management 324
19.9 Guidelines 327
19.10 Summary 327
19.11 References 328
20 Ageing and Sexual Behaviours and Sexual Health 333
20.1 Factors Affecting the Sexual Health of Older People 333
20.2 Attitudes to Sex in Older People 334
20.3 Sexual Health Education 335
20.4 Effects of Ignorance / Problems with Sex 335
20.5 Health Risks 337
20.6 Theories / Models 338
20.7 Treatment / Management 339
20.8 Policy / Guidelines 340
20.9 Summary 341
20.10 References 341
21 Ageing and Reproduction 344
21.1 Epidemiology 345
21.2 Characteristics of Older People Seeking Assisted Conception 345
21.3 Reproductive Choice and Reproductive Rights 346
21.4 Reproductive Health of Older People 347
21.5 Reproductive Outcomes 348
21.6 Screening / Assessment 349
21.7 Treatment / Management 349
21.8 Theories / Models 350
21.9 Policy / Guidelines 350
21.10 Summary 350
21.11 References 351
Index 353
Olga B.A. van den Akker is Professor of Health Psychology and head of Department at Middlesex University London. Since completing her BSc and PhD in Psychology, she carried out post-doctoral research at the Institute of Psychiatry and St. George's and St. Mary's hospitals London, and held senior academic posts at a number of other UK Universities. She currently carries out research into the health psychology of challenging reproductive behaviours.
