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Luo D, Zhouchen YB, Li L, Jiang YL, Liu Y, Redding SR, Wang R, Ouyang YQ. The Stigma and Infertility-Related Stress of Chinese Infertile Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1053. [PMID: 38891128 PMCID: PMC11171736 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to investigate the stigma status of infertile women in China and to determine the influencing factors. METHODS 366 infertile women from the gynecological and reproductive departments of two tertiary hospitals completed socio-demographic questionnaires, the Infertility Stigma Scale (ISS) and the Mandarin Fertility Problem Inventory (M-FPI). RESULTS The scores of stigma and infertility-related stress in infertile women were (52.51 ± 17.74) and (150.03 ± 17.51), respectively. Multiple regression analysis found that location of residence, regarding children as the most important thing in life, talking to others about infertility and infertility-related stress were the main influencing factors of stigma in infertile women, which explained 17.3% of the total variance. CONCLUSIONS In the current study, the level of stigma in women with infertility was at the middle range. Location of residence, regarding children as the most important thing in life, whether to talk with others about infertility and infertility-related stress were the four main influencing factors of stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.L.); (Y.-B.Z.); (Y.-L.J.)
| | - Yi-Bei Zhouchen
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.L.); (Y.-B.Z.); (Y.-L.J.)
| | - Lu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China;
| | - Yu-Lei Jiang
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.L.); (Y.-B.Z.); (Y.-L.J.)
| | - Yi Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
| | | | - Rong Wang
- Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yan-Qiong Ouyang
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (D.L.); (Y.-B.Z.); (Y.-L.J.)
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Péloquin K, Arpin V, Jacmin-Park S, Beaulieu N, Brassard A. A Dyadic Study of Attachment, Coping, and Quality of Life in Couples Seeking Fertility Treatment. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2024; 50:659-674. [PMID: 38721828 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2024.2347422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This study examined attachment insecurities, infertility-specific coping strategies, and quality of life (QoL) in 87 couples seeking fertility treatment. Partners completed self-report measures. Path analyses showed that women's and men's attachment anxiety were associated with their own lower QoL, whereas attachment avoidance was associated with their own and their partner's lower QoL. Adaptive coping in men and women were associated with women's higher QoL. Non-adaptive coping was associated with men and women's lower QoL. Coping strategies explained the associations between attachment and QoL. This highlights the importance of individual and dyadic factors for understanding QoL in couples seeking fertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Péloquin
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Virginie Arpin
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Silke Jacmin-Park
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Noémie Beaulieu
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Truong LQ, Nguyen TT, Bich TL, Dang VQ. Coping styles among Vietnamese people with infertility diagnosis: does type of infertility-related stress really matter? J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024; 42:353-364. [PMID: 35852090 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2022.2101046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study aims to investigate whether each coping style used by Vietnamese people living with infertility diagnosis is associated with specific types of infertility-related stress (IRS). METHODS In this cross-sectional design study, 997 patients with primary infertility diagnosis from three hospitals and two clinics in three regions of Vietnam completed questionnaire that consisted of Fertility Problem Inventory, the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility and other questions. Four different linear regression analyses were performed on four coping styles. The five types of IRS and covariates were included in these models. FINDINGS The results show that participants who experience all five types of IRS reported the dominant use of active-avoidance coping, while having four types of IRS, except for social concern, was associated with higher use of meaning-based coping. Utilising active-confronting coping was reported to be the outcome of experiencing increasing need for parenthood and decreasing rejection of child-free lifestyle. Choice of passive-avoidance coping was more common among those with increasing social concern and need for parenthood. Age and educational level impacted infertile people's choice of avoidance coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS The results provide evidence to understand the direct impact of each type of IRS on infertile people's choice of coping styles to better support them during their individual and family therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lam Quang Truong
- Vietnam National University, Faculty of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trang Thu Nguyen
- Vietnam National University, Faculty of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thuy Luong Bich
- Vietnam National University, Faculty of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Vinh Quang Dang
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, 4 Nui Thanh, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
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Zurlo MC, Cattaneo Della Volta MF, Vallone F. Paths towards parenthood after repeated treatment failures: a comparative study on predictors of psychological health outcomes in infertile couples persisting in treatments or opting for adoption. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1147926. [PMID: 37342643 PMCID: PMC10277654 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1147926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infertility literature suggests widespread recourse to long-term medical treatments despite evidence of high stress, costs, and adverse effects of repeated treatment failures. However, there is a lack of research comparing predictors of stress and psychological health outcomes between members of infertile couples who - after repeated failures - persist in pursuing medical treatments (PT) with those who opted for quitting treatments and adopting (QTA). Basing on a transactional and multidimensional approach to infertility-related stress and health, the present study aims at exploring individual (socio-demographics; coping strategies) and situational (infertility-related parameters; infertility-related stressors; couple's dyadic adjustment dimensions) predictors of state-anxiety and depression in male and female partners of PT-infertile couples and of QTA-infertile couples. Methods Participants were both members of 176 couples with duration of infertility and a history of medical treatments for at least 3 years (76 PT-infertile couples, 100 QTA-infertile couples). The study variables were compared by study group across genders. Structural equation models (SEM) were used to test main and moderating effects of study variables on state-anxiety and depression by study group and across genders. Results Members of infertile couples quitting treatments and adopting (QTA) reported significantly lower levels of state-anxiety and depression, higher stress related to need for parenthood and rejection of childfree-lifestyle and lower stress related to social and couple's relationship concerns than those who persist in pursuing medical treatments (PT). Members of infertile couples quitting treatments and adopting (QTA) recurred to a greater extent to active coping strategies (problem-solving/social-support) and to a lower extent to passive coping strategies (avoiding/turning-to-religion), and they reported higher levels of dyadic adjustment. Specificities in main and moderating factors related to state-anxiety and depression by study group and across genders were found. Conclusion Findings should be addressed to provide a comprehensive assessment of both members of infertile couples facing repeated treatment failures to identify risks and resources and develop tailored evidence-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clelia Zurlo
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory, Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Federica Vallone
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory, Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Antequera-Jurado R, Moreno-Rosset C, Ramírez-Uclés I. The specific psychosocial modulator factors of emotional adjustment in infertile individuals compared to fertile people. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Certain psychological and social factors modulate emotional adjustment in infertility. The aims of this study were: analyse whether there are sex and group differences (infertile vs. fertile) in emotional adjustment, and personality, dispositional optimism, coping strategies, personal and interpersonal resources; observe the modulating role of these psychosocial variables in the emotional adjustment of infertile individuals compared to fertile ones; and determine if the modulator variables associated with emotional adjustment are specific to infertile people. Method: A cross-sectional study design was used with a sample of 139 heterosexual Spanish participants (84 infertile, 55 fertile). For the data analysis we performed correlations, multiple regression analysis, MANOVAS and ANOVAS. Results: The multivariate and univariate analyses showed that the infertile group exhibited greater emotional maladjustment, more personal resources, lesser degree of confrontive coping, social support seeking, positive reappraisal, and lower marital satisfaction than the fertile group. In addition, women (infertile and fertile) sought more social support seeking and the infertile ones made more use of self-controlling strategies. Multiple regression analyses showed that for all subjects the emotional adjustment was modulated by dispositional optimism and escape/avoidance. For infertile participants, the remaining significant modulating factors were personal resources and marital satisfaction, whereas, for the fertile group, they were openness and interpersonal resources. Conclusion: Infertile women and men showed no differences in emotional maladjustment, but levels were higher than in the fertile group. We found differences between infertile and fertile subjects in terms of modulating variables of emotional adjustment. For infertile participants, the development of personal resources and increased marital satisfaction are particularly important.
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Foti FL, Karner-Huţuleac A, Maftei A. The value of motherhood and psychological distress among infertile women: The mediating role of coping strategies. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1024438. [PMID: 36817897 PMCID: PMC9931740 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1024438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present study investigated psychological distress and coping strategies among infertile women during the COVID-19 pandemic using a multi-dimensional model of infertility-related stress. We explored the associations between individual (i.e., age) and situational characteristics related to infertility (i.e., duration of infertility, cause of infertility, number of lost pregnancies, and assisted reproductive techniques [ART] status), and perceived-infertility-related factors (i.e., the perceived importance of motherhood). Methods Our total sample consisted of 193 women aged 20 to 46 (M= 33.23, SD = 4.58), out of which 102 were undergoing ART procedures (M = 33.60, SD = 4.23), and 91 were not (M= 32.81, SD = 4.94). Participants filled in questionnaires measuring psychological distress, coping strategies, and the importance of motherhood. Results Correlation analyses suggested that the importance of motherhood was positively associated with psychological distress and negative coping strategies. Mediation analysis results indicated that both in the overall sample and in the sample of women undergoing ART procedures, the negative self-perception fully mediated the link between the importance of motherhood on psychological distress. In the non-ART sample, we found a significant mediation effect of denial on the link between the importance of motherhood and psychological distress. Discussion We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the present findings, focusing on the mental health-related consequences of the social stigma of infertility heightened by the pressure of parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentina Larisa Foti
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Adina Karner-Huţuleac
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
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Sousa E, Nery SF, Casalechi M, Thimóteo LC, Paiva SP, Silva-Filho AL, Reis FM. Characteristics, prevalence and sources of stress in individuals who discontinue assisted reproductive technology treatments: a systematic review. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:819-825. [PMID: 36907754 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
By considering the reasons behind discontinuing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, several studies have indicated that 'stress' is an important issue, but the prevalence of stressors and stress responses, either acute or chronic, remains unclear. In this systematic review, we evaluated the characteristics, prevalence and causes of what was perceived and reported as 'stress' by couples who discontinued ART treatment. Electronic databases were systematically searched, and studies were considered eligible if they evaluated stress as a possible reason for ART discontinuation. Twelve studies were included, with 15,264 participants from eight countries. In all studies, 'stress' was assessed through generic questionnaires or medical records, not by validated stress questionnaires or biomarkers. The prevalence of 'stress' ranged from 11-53%. When the results were pooled, 'stress' was cited as a reason for ART discontinuation by 775 out of 2507 participants (30.9%). Clinical factors associated with worse prognosis, physical discomfort due to treatment procedures, family demands, time pressure and economic burden were identified as sources of 'stress' that contributed to ART discontinuation. Precisely knowing the characteristics of the stress associated with infertility is essential to devise preventive or supportive interventions to help patients to cope and endure the treatments. Further studies are necessary to investigate whether the mitigation of stress factors can reduce ART discontinuation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Sousa
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Hospital das Clínicas, UFMG, Av. Alfredo Balena, 110, 9˚ Andar, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Simone F Nery
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Hospital das Clínicas, UFMG, Av. Alfredo Balena, 110, 9˚ Andar, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maíra Casalechi
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Hospital das Clínicas, UFMG, Av. Alfredo Balena, 110, 9˚ Andar, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz C Thimóteo
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Hospital das Clínicas, UFMG, Av. Alfredo Balena, 110, 9˚ Andar, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sara Pc Paiva
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Hospital das Clínicas, UFMG, Av. Alfredo Balena, 110, 9˚ Andar, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Agnaldo L Silva-Filho
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Hospital das Clínicas, UFMG, Av. Alfredo Balena, 110, 9˚ Andar, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernando M Reis
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Hospital das Clínicas, UFMG, Av. Alfredo Balena, 110, 9˚ Andar, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Navigating Still Waters of Infertility: Role of Goal Features in Coping with a Thwarted Goal. Int J Behav Med 2022; 29:188-198. [PMID: 34268707 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The infertility experience is often surrounded by frustration and discouragement associated with the thwarted goal to have a child. Though research has identified commonly used strategies to cope with infertility, this study is the first to examine how different goal attributes and processes associated with the experience of infertility relate to coping strategy use and psychological distress. METHOD Women (N = 353) recruited from online support forums reported on the nature of their goal to have a child, their psychological distress, and their use of strategies to cope with the failure to achieve that goal. RESULTS Women reported high striving toward a goal high in importance and commitment, coupled with high goal-related stress and feeling that achievement is blocked. Consistent with the notion that coping strategy use is specific to the features of the experience, no single goal attribute nor combination of attributes consistently accounted for coping strategy use, suggesting that the latter may be specific to the cognitions and processes of pursuit of the goal to have a child. With one exception, perceptions of impediment were better predictors of psychological distress than any level of perceived facilitators of goal pursuit, positing potential targets for future psychological interventions. CONCLUSION Understanding how women cope with infertility may require a detailed conceptualization of their goal to have a child. In the present sample, dynamic processes and coping strategies that otherwise detract from success were generally beneficial by providing alternatives to the pursuit of a thwarted goal.
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Perceived Partner's Self-Control and Social Support Effects on Relationship Satisfaction in Couples Experiencing Infertility or Miscarriage: Dyadic Analyses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19041970. [PMID: 35206157 PMCID: PMC8872363 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19041970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The process that infertile couples and those after a miscarriage go through is unpredictable and difficult to control; therefore, it is associated with a lowered sense of control for both partners. Uncontrolled stress creates a higher level of anxiety, which is associated not only with a lower quality of life but also with worse results from infertility treatment and higher risks of miscarriage. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the partner’s perceived self-control and marital satisfaction in the context of the partners’ coping strategies. The actor-partner interdependence model was applied to 90 heterosexual married couples. Our results show that men who perceive their wives as being more self-controlled and women who are perceived by their husbands as being more self-controlled feel more satisfied in their relationships. The effect of a partner’s perceived self-control on satisfaction with the relationship was weaker when controlled for the length of marriage. It also appeared to be moderated through the spouses’ use of social support. We conclude that the effects of the partner’s perceived self-control and social support are strong for marital satisfaction in the context of infertility and miscarriage.
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Infertility-related stress, social support, and coping of women experiencing infertility in Vietnam. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2022. [DOI: 10.5114/hpr.2022.113437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Hoyle RH, Davisson EK, Novice ML. Relations between protective traits and psychological distress among women experiencing infertility. J Health Psychol 2020; 27:397-407. [PMID: 32924607 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320953466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the association between traits associated with adaptive self-management and psychological distress in women experiencing infertility. A sample of 326 women reported on their infertility experience; their tendencies with respect to self-compassion, emotion regulation, and positivity; and their current psychological distress. Results showed negative associations of self-compassion and positive orientation with depression in the past month. The additional distress experienced by women with primary infertility was attenuated by self-compassion and the tendency to not suppress emotional expression. Traits that enable effective self-management buffer the effects of infertility on psychology health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick H Hoyle
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Erin K Davisson
- Center for the Study of Adolescent Risk and Resilience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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