“I Felt Like I Was Mixing Water and Oil”: Exploring the Impact of Infertility on Belonging and Social Exclusion Among Infertile Couples and Individuals in Zimbabwe—A Phenomenological Qualitative Study
摘要
Infertility is a deeply distressing condition that creates significant psychosocial challenges for those affected, often leading to conflict within families and a diminished sense of belonging. Individuals facing infertility are frequently labelled, stigmatised, and viewed as inadequate by their marital families, leading to feelings of isolation and low self-worth. This phenomenological study, grounded in the need-to-belong theory, explored the complex relationship between infertility and the sense of belonging among couples and individuals in Zimbabwe, where societal expectations around reproduction are particularly strong. Based on in-depth qualitative interviews with nine participants—predominantly women—this study offers nuanced insights but also acknowledges the limitation of a small and gender-skewed sample, which constrains the breadth of perspectives, particularly on male experiences. Three key themes emerged with interrelated subcategories: (1) Unwanted: Longing for Belonging and Fear of Disconnection, (2) Inner turmoil: Emotional vulnerability, social avoidance and isolation (3) Family conflict, labelling, exclusion, and a sense of rejection. These findings highlight the need for future research to engage more male participants and individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, to deepen understanding of how infertility shapes belonging in varied contexts. The study concludes that examining the sense of belonging among infertile individuals can enhance our understanding of their lived experiences and underscores the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for those affected.