Factors influencing men's experiences of a termination of pregnancy

• Main Author: Griffiths, Emma Kate
• Other Authors: Glover, Lesley
• Published: University of Hull 2007
• Subjects: 363.46; Medicine
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.479005

The termination of pregnancy (TOP) is one of the most commonly performed gynaecological procedures in England. Despite the prevalence of the TOP procedure, limited research to date has investigated male partner's experiences of a TOP. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mood and effect experienced by men accompanying their female partner to a TOP. Additionally, factors influencing male partner's experiences of a TOP were also investigated; namely hegemonic masculinity and social roles. A combined qualitative and quantitative approach was used to address the research questions. Participants were 63 men accompanying their female partner to a TOP on a gynaecology day ward. Men completed questionnaire packages including self-report measures of their mood, affect and masculinity. Participants were invited to write responses to open-ended questions regarding the reasons for adopting specific roles, and experiences of the NHS environments. The most commonly reported feelings experienced by male partners were tired determined and strong. Participants did not experience significant levels of depression; levels of anxiety experienced were somewhat higher. Results suggest that men do not experience a TOP as an entirely negative procedure. Participant's experiences highlighted the confusion as to a clear role to be adopted. Men who adopted the role of 'Bystander' were more anxious. Being emotionally in control was considered a positive masculine characteristic when accompanying a female to a TOP. Clinical and theoretical implications are discussed, in terms of understanding the experiences of men, improving service delivery and contributing to the existing body of TOP research.