Preferences Toward Psychological Interventions Among Women Experiencing Infertility

Abstract

Introduction: Psychological distress among women experiencing infertility is high. The purpose of this study was to assess women's preferences toward various psychological intervention formats to manage stress during infertility treatment, and to gauge interest in an online mindfulness-based intervention in particular. Materials and Methods: Participant (N?=?272) recruitment included in-person and online methods: (1) patients completed surveys in a fertility clinic waiting room and (2) an electronic link to the survey was shared on social media platforms relevant to individuals experiencing infertility. Results: Participants were highly interested in receiving psychological support in multiple formats. Participants showed a clear preference for behavioral interventions over pharmacotherapy. Ninety percent of participants reported they were willing to practice a designated coping skill two to three times per week or daily. On average, participants rated their interest in using a mindfulness app to help manage uncertainty and stress during fertility treatment as 7.78 on a scale of 0?10. Conclusion: Women experiencing infertility are highly interested in receiving psychological support, and are open to a variety of intervention formats.

Keywords

• infertility
• assisted reproduction
• mindfulness
• psychological interventions