The Psychological Constructs Emerging within the Stages of Childbearing for Women with Cerebral Palsy and Spinal Cord Injury: A Grounded Theory Analysis
| dc.contributor.author | Coble, Alette Christine | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-04-10T03:40:19Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-04-10T03:40:19Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 1999 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This research project was designed to explore the experiences of women with cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. The data were gathered from qualitative interviews with six women with cerebral palsy and four women with spinal cord injuries. A methodology based on grounded theory was used to create theories associated with social support, pregnancy, and disability induced by the natural environment rather than from existing theories. The findings of this study illustrate that social support does play a crucial role in the lives of women with CP and SCI during all stages of family planning. For the ten women interviewed, emotional support seemed to have greater significance in their lives before pregnancy. At the same time, physical assistance was identified as more critical following the birth of their children. All of the women expressed that the process of overcoming negative stereotypes and attitudinal barriers associated with sexuality, pregnancy, and disability was major element to their experiences. The data also revealed that perseverance and an internal belief in one's ability were contributing factors for successfully coping with attitudinal stress related to their disability and the process of being a mother. The women interviewed stressed the importance of developing strong support systems and becoming well-informed before embarking on a journey to motherhood. They also maintained that there is a need for peer support from other women with disabilities who have experienced pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Based on the data gathered from this research, suggestions are made for psychologists who work with women who have CP or SCI regarding issues of sexuality, pregnancy, and/or parenting. Clinical considerations also focus on the development of social support networks for women with disabilities who are considering having children. The study concludes by offering suggestions for future research in sexuality, family planning, and disability. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/3171 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher.institution | John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) | |
| dc.title | The Psychological Constructs Emerging within the Stages of Childbearing for Women with Cerebral Palsy and Spinal Cord Injury: A Grounded Theory Analysis | |
| dc.type | Dissertation | |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Psychology | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) | |
| thesis.degree.level | Doctoral | |
| thesis.degree.name | Doctor of Psychology |