Coping, social support and medical factors on psychosocial impact in couples experiencing infertility.

This study assessed dyadically the relationship between psychosocial impact of infertility experienced by 87 couples and individual coping strategies, perceived social support and some medical factors. Although problem-focused strategies emerged as positive, certain side effects on partner were revealed. Social support was related to psychosocial outcomes in a positive way, cognitive component of coping strategies resulted as a prominent factor on individual's adjustment as well as the partner's role. Findings suggest the convenience of promoting the awareness about the effects of each partner's feelings, behaviors and beliefs on his/her individual's well-being in this field due to the interdependent context in which they are. Infertility counselors may foster this process by evaluating and educating to them about the functionality of these factors.

A longitudinal comparative study of a multicouple group and single-couple psychosocial intervention while experiencing infertility.

This is a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent design study investigating the efficacy of multicouple group and single-couple intervention formats aimed at diminishing the psychosocial impact of infertility. The review studies carried out to date that have assessed this subject do not show consistent findings and although increasing the efficacy and efficiency of intervention formats more than justifies their analysis, there are no studies making this particular comparison. Eighty-seven infertile couples who were in assessment for their infertility and/or were close to undergoing some kind of assisted reproductive technology process participated in a psychosocial intervention either under the multicouple group or single-couple subconditions, or acted as controls. The variables of depression, anxiety, and fertility quality of life were used for evaluating psychosocial impact. Comparisons were made: (a) between the intervention condition and controls and (b) between the two subconditions. The results support the efficacy of the intervention both in the dyadic latent growth curve models analysis carried out and in the treatment effect calculation. Although in the comparison between the multicouple and single-couple format, some differences generally favoring the single format one were found, they were not conclusive. Therefore, the results are in line with review studies that did not find the group format to be more effective. Although this study provides valuable information, its limitations mean that further research needs to be carried out. When selecting the intervention format, therapists should also weigh up others aspects, such as the intervention goal, patient's needs and characteristics, reproductive history, and current stage of infertility.

Study on the Interdependent Relationship between the Marital Satisfaction Variable and the Psychosocial Impact of Infertility and Anxiety Disposition, According to Gender.

This study assessed the relationship between the marital satisfaction variable and the psychosocial impact of infertility and anxiety disposition, testing for possible gender-based differences. Comparisons performed on 87 couples did reveal differences and analyses disclosed that depression, anxiety and quality of life can influence the assessment each partner makes of their relationship, through an interdependent process. One partner's marital satisfaction can be influenced by those variables in the other partner. These findings indicate that psychosocial care for infertile couples must involve both partners and that they should be made aware of the effect of interdependence on marital satisfaction.