An exploration of women’s lived experiences of primary tokophobia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of women’s lived experiences of primary tokophobia
IRAS ID
233382
Contact name
Michelle Clark
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
This project will explore service users' experiences of primary tokophobia. The term 'tokophobia' was identified as a medical condition and used for the first time in 2000 by Hofberg and Brockington to define an intense state of anxiety which leads some women to fear, and consequently to avoid, childbirth and pregnancy despite desperately wanting a baby. Primary tokophobia refers to when women who have not been pregnant previously experience this intense fear of childbirth.
The aim of the project is to deepen our understanding of the genesis of tokophobia by exploring women’s lived experiences. Women experiencing primary tokophobia, including women who have experienced tokophobia during pregnancy and have now had their babies, and women who are currently pregnant and experiencing tokophobia, will be invited to take part in an interview to talk about their experiences of tokophobia. Interviews will take place at an NHS location wherever possible. Where this is not possible, participants will be seen at home (adhering to Trust lone working policy) or via Skype. Data will be analysed using a grounded theory approach.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0545
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion