Testing a New Group Intervention for Couples Seeking Fertility Treatment: Acceptability and Proof of Concept

Abstract

This study tested the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a novel group intervention for couples seeking fertility treatment. Twenty-nine couples completed psychological, relational, and sexual outcome measures pre- and post-intervention. Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed significant reductions in terms of depressive symptoms, rejection of childfree lifestyle, and stress related to the need for parenthood. The results also revealed improvements in marital benefits and fertility-related emotional and relational quality of life. Couples’ high participation rates and reported treatment satisfaction indicate adequate acceptability. These results support the preliminary success of the intervention in reducing the psychological and relational burden for couples undergoing fertility treatment.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research was supported by grants from the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Société et culture (FRQSC) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS) awarded to K. Péloquin, as well as a doctoral scholarship awarded to V. Arpin (FRQSC). We would like to thank Fertility Clinics (Fertilys, PROCREA Fertilité, CIUSS-Estrie CHUS, CHU de Québec), counselors, and nurses who contributed to this research. We would also like to offer our special thanks to Susan Bermingham for her contribution to the treatment manual.