Abstract
Due to the risk of fetal anomaly, pregnant women of advanced maternal age are given the option to undergo amniocentesis. In
our study we aimed to describe couples’ decision-making process regarding amniocentesis, and assess whether it is influenced
by marital intimacy and men’s participation in genetic counseling. During pregnancy, 112 couples answered the Personal Assessment
of Intimacy in Relationships questionnaire and scales regarding the decision to undergo amniocentesis. Most couples shared
and reached an agreement regarding this decision. Higher levels of marital engagement and communication, but not men’s participation,
were associated with higher agreement, influence, and decision-sharing. Clinical implications are discussed.
our study we aimed to describe couples’ decision-making process regarding amniocentesis, and assess whether it is influenced
by marital intimacy and men’s participation in genetic counseling. During pregnancy, 112 couples answered the Personal Assessment
of Intimacy in Relationships questionnaire and scales regarding the decision to undergo amniocentesis. Most couples shared
and reached an agreement regarding this decision. Higher levels of marital engagement and communication, but not men’s participation,
were associated with higher agreement, influence, and decision-sharing. Clinical implications are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s10591-011-9151-9
- Authors
- Bárbara Nazaré, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Apartado 6153, 3001-802 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ana Fonseca, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Apartado 6153, 3001-802 Coimbra, Portugal
- Sofia Gameiro, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Apartado 6153, 3001-802 Coimbra, Portugal
- Maria Cristina Canavarro, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Apartado 6153, 3001-802 Coimbra, Portugal
- Frank M. Dattilio, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Journal Contemporary Family Therapy
- Online ISSN 1573-3335
- Print ISSN 0892-2764