IMPACTS OF INVOLUNTARY CHILDLESSNESS ON MARRIED COUPLES IN OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT

This research study investigates the impact of childlessness on married couples in the Ovia North East Local Government area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in the isiohor community. The qualitative research method was used for the study while the research design was a phenomenological approach, focusing on the experiences of involuntary childless women. The sample size was purposive, with twelve participants selected. Data collection was conducted using an unstructured in-depth interview guide, with participants given permission to participate. The interviews were conducted in English and lasted 45 minutes to one hour. The data was verified using the member checking method to establish credibility. The data was analyzed using narrative and manual content analysis, with the narrative analysis method identifying recurring themes and manual content analysis extracting recurring themes. Ethical considerations were taken into account, with informed consent obtained from all participants and ensuring confidentiality and anonymity. Literature reviewed shows that Social workers play a lot of roles such as providing emotional support, education, advocacy, and community building to help involuntarily childless couples navigate the emotional landscape of childlessness, fostering resilience and hope. Nonetheless, Social workers in the area play no roles as they have no knowledge on what social workers do and where to find them.