Lead supervisor:
Prof Jacky Boivin 
Start date: October 2011
Award: General
Subject Pathway:
Psychology
Thematic Cluster:
Language, Learning and Behaviour Cluster
Childbearing and decisional factors
I am interested in the decisional and psychological processes associated with childbearing. These processes include the factors that influence decision-making regarding childbearing, and also the factors that influence seeking help when spontaneous conception is found not to be possible.
Within the broad domain of childbearing, I am interested in comparing the relevant processes in heterosexual samples and in diverse groups that potentially could not achieve parenthood without medical intervention. Examples of these groups include single women, lesbian and gay couples and people with certain disabilities and/or genetic illnesses. Comparing these minority and majority groups is important for increasing understanding of contemporary childbearing and help-seeking patterns in Britain.