The development of the family within the context of the assisted reproductive technology process: a socio-ecological model of understanding the IVF process in Poland

Abstract

For couples that have issues in conceiving a child the use of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF provide an opportunity to bring a child to the union of the couple and develop a family. Across the world the awareness, attitudes and utility of IVF differs and thus an opportunity exists to assist in understanding the development of couples and families undergoing IVF. Utilising a socio-ecological model allows the context of the couple to be explored and look at the impacts on the couple from a systemic approach. Therefore this article proposes the utility of Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model of development as an ideal theoretical model for exploring the development of couple undergoing IVF.