Psychological interventions for infertile patients: a review of existing research and A new comprehensive approach |
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Authors: | Katja Haemmerli Hansjoerg Znoj Salome Burri Patricia Graf Dorothea Wunder Pasqualina Perrig-Chiello |
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Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Switzerland;2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital Bern, University Hospital and University of Bern, Switzerland;3. Institute of Psychology, Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland |
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Abstract: | The usefulness of psychological support for infertile patients has been highlighted in the literature over the past number of years. This article provides a review of existing research on psychological interventions for infertile patients, and presents the Fertility Group Intervention as an example of the application of existing research. There is clear empirical evidence of high levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and distress among infertile patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment (ART). Infertile patients need and require increased psychological support. Various studies indicate the efficacy of psychological interventions for infertile patients with respect to their mental health and, in part, pregnancy rates. However, many such studies exhibit methodological problems. Therefore, in future research, additional studies of high‐quality design are needed to achieve more definitive answers on the efficacy and indication of psychological interventions for infertile patients. Currently, the Fertility Group Intervention represents a comprehensive therapeutic approach integrating established empirical and theoretical approaches with the aim of helping infertile patients – particularly those undergoing ART – cope with distress related to their infertility and medical treatment. This article further outlines the therapeutic background and structures, treatment goals, practical implications, and feasibility of the Fertility Group Intervention. |
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Keywords: | Assisted reproductive treatment counselling infertility intervention psychotherapy |
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