Selina Braddish, a Psychologist in Clinical Training and Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Limerick, is conducting a research study titled ‘Exploring the Experience of People with Cystic Fibrosis and their Partners on the Journey Towards Parenthood and its Impact on Psychological Well-Being’, under the supervision of Professor Donal Fortune, Chair of Clinical Psychology at the University of Limerick, and Dr Sharon Houghton, Senior Clinical Psychologist at University Hospital Limerick and Adjunct Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Limerick. The study has received ethical approval from the University of Limerick Research Ethics Committee.

In recent years, advances in CF care, particularly CFTR modulator therapies, have meant that more people with CF are considering parenthood. While this is a welcome development, little is known about the emotional, psychological, and relational impacts of this journey. Most existing literature has focused on medical outcomes, leaving a gap in understanding the lived experiences of people with CF and their partners as they make decisions about starting a family.

Selina and the team at the University of Limerick aim to explore how couples navigate the transition to parenthood; how they make decisions, how their identities shift, and how their psychological well-being is affected. The study also seeks to understand the supports and barriers couples encounter along the way.

Who can take part?

• Couples where one partner has CF.
• You have started the parenthood journey in the last three years, from planning to parenting.
• You are living in Ireland or the UK.
• All pathways to parenthood are welcome (e.g., pregnancy, surrogacy, adoption).

What will the study involve?

• Each partner will take part in a separate, one-off confidential interview conducted online via Microsoft Teams.
• Interviews will explore experiences of decision-making, psychological well-being, identity, and navigating support systems.
• Participants will receive interview questions in advance, and interviews are scheduled at a time that suits.
• All responses will be anonymised, and the findings will be used to inform future psychological support practices for people with CF and their families.

This study hopes to amplify the voices of families in the CF community and contribute to more emotionally responsive and inclusive care models as family planning becomes increasingly relevant in CF care.

If you would like to take part, please click the link below to register your interest:

https://unioflimerick.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2hRyk9lxQ0PI8Bg

Alternatively, you can contact Selina directly at braddish.selina@ul.ie.

Further information is available in the Participant Information Sheet and promotional materials linked below.