Couples with differing levels of stress have
more difficulty coping with that stress
22 October 2001
Orlando, FL – New research announced on Monday shows the depth of psychological struggle for patients undergoing infertility treatments.
In a paper awarded the prize for the best mental health
research at the ASRM meeting, marriage and family therapist B. D. Peterson
explored the impact of infertility treatments on the couples involved and their
relationship.
Patients were given three separate psychological tests prior to their
infertility treatments. One measured infertility related stress, one levels of
depression, and one evaluated the level of stress in their marriage.
The investigators found that females perceived infertility to be more stressful
than their male partners did, and reported higher depression scales than the
men. There were no significant differences between men and women on the marital
adjustment measure. Using advanced statistical methods, the researchers showed
that women in couples whose perception of the stress were different than their
husbands’ were more likely to report depression than those whose partners
feelings were more similar.
The researchers thus concluded that agreeing on the level of stress being
experienced helps couples to manage that stress.
“We often speak about treating couples, and not just patients, in reproductive
medicine. This work reminds us we need to attend to the psychological health of
the couple, not just the physical needs, “observed Michael Soules, MD,
President of ASRM.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has more than 8,500 members who
are devoted to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine and
biology. ASRM-affiliate societies include the Society of Reproductive Surgeons,
the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the Society for Male
Reproduction and Urology, and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.
Note:
The Abstracts from the 57th ASRM Annual Meeting are available on-line. Go to www.asrm.org,
and click on the itinerary planner. (Abstract O-65)