Open AccessEmotional and Psychosocial Factors in Follow‐Up of Women After Ivf‐Et Treatment: A pilot investigation
Author(s) -
Freeman Ellen W.,
Rickels Karl,
Tausig Jane,
Boxer Andrea,
Mastroianni Luigi,
Tureck Richard W.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016348709015727
Subject(s) - infertility , medicine , psychosocial , distress , emotional distress , coping (psychology) , in vitro fertilisation , pregnancy , clinical psychology , psychiatry , obstetrics , gynecology , anxiety , genetics , biology
One hundred and fifty‐six women who enrolled for treatment in an in vitro fertilization (IVF‐ET) program were interviewed, 15 months (mean interval) after the last program contact. Perceptions of treatment stress, decisions about further treatment and the extent of resolution of the infertility crisis were investigated. Standard self‐report instruments were used to assess emotional status, self‐esteem and marital adjustment. The results showed that only about half the couples who did not achieve pregnancy had decided to terminate treatment. Resolution of infertility was significantly correlated with coping with infertility and with the decision to abandon treatment. Although most patients described treatment as extremely stressful, this did not itself result in emotional distress or dysfunction following treatment, and psychiatric syndromes were infrequent. A deeper understanding of the interactions of these identified factors would help all couples who confront unwanted infertility.