Integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to study multifetal pregnancy reduction

This study integrates quantitative and qualitative research methods to exam ine the psychologic repercussions of multifetal pregnancy reduction, a rece ntly developed reproductive technology. Two theoretical vantage points, des criptive psychiatry and psychoanalytic theory, were used to understand the emotional impact of the medical intervention, which involves aborting some but not all of the fetuses in a multifetal pregnancy. Quantitative analysis of diagnostic interviews indicated that women who underwent pregnancy redu ctions were at no greater risk than controls for developing depressive diso rder. Although multifetal pregnancy reduction posed no apparent mental heal th risk, women experienced it as stressful and distressing. Women's respons es were organized and understood via qualitative analyses based on six cont emporary psychoanalytic perspectives: drive theory, ego psychology, object relations theory, self-psychology, interpersonal viewpoints, and developmen tal concepts. Some of the practical and philosophic implications of qualita tive and quantitative strategies are considered.