Childlessness in Midlife: Increasing Generativity Using a Narrative Approach
The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families
Published online on November 15, 2016
Abstract
Infertility is a worldwide problem that affects many individuals. As men and women age, the likelihood of conception begins to decline, resulting in an increased prevalence of infertility. Treatments of infertility focus on biological interventions. Those that continue to struggle with infertility may also seek mental health treatment. Men and women in midlife may experience a struggle between generativity and stagnation, often including the struggle between parenthood and childlessness. Narrative therapy is a mental health theory that emphasizes examining sociopolitical stories influencing clients and deconstructing these discourses. Possible therapeutic interventions are explored to bring about subjugated stories to increase generativity.