Abstract

Infertility is a growing area of the medical field and a common problem experienced by couples and individuals during their lifetime. Stress is known to decrease fertility in men and women, and may also impact fertility treatment outcomes. Psychological burden is associated with treatment discontinuation, due to the physical and emotional stress associated with the personal, social, and medical aspects of infertility. A review of the research literature was conducted to examine the impact of infertility on social and psychological domains, as well as identify the relationship between stress, distress, and infertility, to inform how mental health services may improve adjustment to infertility. This review revealed an initial appreciation for the association between stress, distress, and infertility, as well as an identification of mental health needs in this population; however, the heterogeneity of current empirical studies means additional research is necessary to better understand the complexity of this life experience. Based on a synthesis of these studies, a brief guide was created to inform mental health professionals working with individuals and couples experiencing infertility about important treatment considerations, methods of assessment, and recommended psychosocial interventions.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Arechiga, Adam L.

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Degree Level

Psych.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2014

Date (Title Page)

5-2014

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Infertility - Therapy; Infertility - Psychology; Reproductive Techniques - Assisted; Sexual Dysfunction - Physiological; Treatment Outcome; Practice Guidelines

Subject - Local

Stress; Treatment Discontinuation; Psychological Burden; Mental Health Services; Psychosocial Interventions

Type

Doctoral Project

Page Count

103

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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