Abstract
Over one-fifth of individuals diagnosed with infertility or undergoing infertility treatment show symptoms of depression, anxiety, distress, and relationship discord. Psychosocial interventions are often offered to these individuals. This literature review was conducted to determine if psychosocial interventions have an impact on anxiety, depression, and relationships in individuals with infertility. An electronic search was performed using keywords in relevant search engines. Studies were identified based on their titles and abstracts and then further reviewed for inclusion. Studies were included if they had a sample population of infertile individuals or couples, men and/or women, and where outcomes of psychosocial interventions or non-treatment were examined. Psychosocial interventions included were cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, education interventions, and mind-and-body interventions. Studies were excluded when a description of the intervention was not provided, focus was the etiology of infertility or the sample population was not infertile individuals. The literature review resulted in four systematic reviews, one clinical guideline, one expert opinion, and one best practice recommendations. This body of evidence indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, education interventions, and mind-and-body interventions are the most frequently used psychosocial interventions for infertile individuals. At this time, the strength of evidence is insufficient to identify whether the use of psychosocial interventions has an impact on depression, anxiety, and relationships during infertility. Further research is needed in the form of randomized controlled trials with appropriate methodological techniques.
Advisor
Rhonda Cornell
Date of Degree
2018
Language
english
Document Type
APP
Degree
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Department
School of Nursing
College
Allied Health and Nursing
Recommended Citation
Bach, M. (2018). Psychosocial Interventions for Individuals With Infertility [Master’s alternative plan paper, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/760/
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