The role of patient appraisal and coping in predicting distress in IVF

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a theoretical understanding of the factors predicting psychological morbidity in patients planning IVF treatments, using Leventhal et al.'s Self Regulation Model. Fifty patients attending assisted conception units completed a demographic questionnaire, the Illness Perception Questionnaire—Revised, the Brief COPE and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results showed that mean anxiety and depression scores did not fall into the clinically significant range, although 42% of patients did score in the clinical range for anxiety. Hierarchical multiple regressions, examining the relationships between illness perceptions, coping and distress, revealed that both illness perceptions and coping strategies predicted anxiety and depression. Implications of the research are presented with suggestions for clinical interventions.