Psychological studies of in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer participants

  • Carolyn M. Mazure
  • Dorothy A. Greenfeld
Special Contributions
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

During the last decade, reproductive endocrinology has provided new technologies for treatment of infertilityone of which is in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET). The use of this technology has been accompanied by considerable interest in understanding the psychology of those seeking IVF/ET and in understanding psychological reactions during and after IVF/ET. This paper reviews the psychological research within the IVF/ET literature as divided into three major areas: first, psychological profiles of women and their partners requesting IVF/ET; second, clinical reports which describe the psychological experience of IVF/ET and provide recommendations for counseling both before and during IVF/ET; and third, follow-up studies of IVF/ET participants. This paper is designed to highlight initial findings in these three areas of research and thus provide a context for future research directions. Specific suggestions for future study include redirecting research effort from investigations of psychopathology to detecting stress which may affect IVF/ET outcome.

Key Words

in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer psychological profiles emotional reactions 
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. 1.
    Leiblum SR, Kemmann E, Lane MK: Psychological concomitants of in vitro fertilization. J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol 1987;6:165Google Scholar
  2. 2.
    Mahlstedt PP, Macduff S, Bernstein J: Emotional factors and the in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer process. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1987;4:232Google Scholar
  3. 3.
    Freeman EW, Boxer AS, Rickels K, Tureck R, Mastroianni L: Psychological evaluation and support in a program of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Fertil Steril 1985; 43:48PubMedGoogle Scholar
  4. 4.
    Fagan RJ, Schmidt CW, Rock JA, Damewood MD, Halle E, Wise TN: Sexual functioning and psychologic evaluation of in vitro fertilization couples. Fertil Steril 1986;46:668PubMedGoogle Scholar
  5. 5.
    Given JE, Jones GS, McMillen DL: A comparison of personality characteristics between in vitro fertilization patients and other infertile patients. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1985;2:49Google Scholar
  6. 6.
    Haseltine FP, Mazure C, DeL'Aune W, Greenfeld D, Laufer N, Tarlatzis B, Polan ML, Jones EE, Graebe R, Nero F, D'Luigi AD, Fazio D, Masters J, DeCherney AH: Psychological interviews in screening couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. Ann NY Acad Sci 1985;422:504Google Scholar
  7. 7.
    Morse C, Dennerstein L: Infertile couples entering an in vitro fertilization programme: A preliminary survey. J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol 1985;4:207Google Scholar
  8. 8.
    Hearn MT, Yuzpe AA, Brown SE, Caspar RF: Psychological cgaracteristics of in vitro fertilization participants. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1987;156:269PubMedGoogle Scholar
  9. 9.
    Congregation for the doctrine of faith: Instruction on the respect of human life in its origin and on the dignity of procreation. Fertil Steril 1988;49:1SGoogle Scholar
  10. 10.
    Mazure C, Greenfeld DA, DeL'Aune W, Diamond MP, DeCherney AH: Behavioral indices associated with pregnancy in in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer. Presented at 5th World Congress IVF/ET, Norfolk, VA, 1987. AFS, Progr Suppl, p 169 (abstr)Google Scholar
  11. 11.
    Harrison KL, Callan VJ, Hennessey JF: Stress and semen quality in an in vitro fertilization program. Fertil Steril 1987;48:633PubMedGoogle Scholar
  12. 12.
    American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition-Revised. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 1987Google Scholar
  13. 13.
    Garner CH, Kelly M, Arnold ES: Psychological profile of IVF patients. Fertil Steril 1984;41:57S (abstr)Google Scholar
  14. 14.
    Keye WR, Bensch RL, Jones KP, Poulson AM, Urry R, Worley RJ: The psychosocial evaluation of couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1984;1:119 (abstr)Google Scholar
  15. 15.
    Mane R, Kogosowski A, Amit A, Yovel I, Barak Y, Lessing JB, David MP, Peyser MR: Characterization of a psychological profile of pregnant women treated by IVF/ET. Presented at 5th World Congress IVF/ET, Norfolk, VA, 1987. AFS, Progr Suppl, p 95 (abstr)Google Scholar
  16. 16.
    Guttman S, Brinsmead M, Stanger J, Oliver M: Psychosocial profile of 180 couples undergoing IVF. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1986;3:189 (abstr)Google Scholar
  17. 17.
    Dennerstein L, Morse C: Psychological issues in IVF. Clin Obstet Gynecol 1985;12:835Google Scholar
  18. 18.
    Seibel MM, Levin S: A new era in reproduction technologies: The emotional stages of in vitro fertilization. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1987;4:135Google Scholar
  19. 19.
    Mazure CM, De l'Aune WD, DeCherney AH: Two methodological issues in the psychological study of in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer participants. J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol 1988;9:17Google Scholar
  20. 20.
    Weinberger DA, Schwartz GE, Davidson RJ: Low-anxious, high-anxious, and repressive coping styles: Psychometric patterns and behavioral and physiological responses to stress. J Abnorm Psychol 1979;88:369PubMedGoogle Scholar
  21. 21.
    Garner CH, Arnold EW, Gray H: The psychological impact of in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 1984;41:13S (abstr)Google Scholar
  22. 22.
    McNair DM, Lorr M, Droppleman LF: EITS Manual for the Profile of Mood States. San Diego, CA, Educational and Industrial Testing Service, 1971Google Scholar
  23. 23.
    Shrednick A: Positive effects of IVF on marital status. Presented at 5th World Congress IVF/ET, Norfolk, VA, 1987. AFS, Progr Suppl, p 95 (abstr)Google Scholar
  24. 24.
    Mikesell S, Falk R: The utilization of assessment of marital satisfaction and interpersonal perceptions with in vitro fertilization couples to develop intervention strategies to reduce the psychological impact of the stress of infertility. Fertil Steril 1984;41:58S (abstr)Google Scholar
  25. 25.
    Mikesell SG, Falk R: Low marital distress reported by in vitro fertilization participants. Presented at annual meeting of American Fertility Society, Chicago, 1985. AFS, Progr Suppl, p 122 (abstr)Google Scholar
  26. 26.
    Mazure C, Greenfeld D, DeL'Aune W, Haseltine FP: Analysis of psychological data in 97 IVF couples. Presented at annual meeting of American Fertility Society, Chicago, 1985. AFS, Prog Suppl, p 24 (abstr)Google Scholar
  27. 27.
    Myers JL: Fundamentals of Experimental Design, 2nd ed. Boston, Allyn and Bacon, 1972Google Scholar
  28. 28.
    Greenfeld DA, Diamond MP, DeCherney AH: Grief reactions following a failed cycle of IVF. J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol 1988;8:169Google Scholar
  29. 29.
    Stauber M, Maasen V, Speilman H, Dincer C: Psychosomatic counseling of couples involved in an in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer (ET) program. Experiencia 1985;41:1514Google Scholar
  30. 30.
    Appleton TC: Counselling and communication in an IVF program. Presented at 5th World Congress IVF/ET, Norfolk, VA, 1987. AFS, Progr Suppl, p 180 (abstr)Google Scholar
  31. 31.
    Kentenich H, Dincer C, Blankau A, Schmiady H, Stauber M: Psychosomatic reactions of couples treated with IVF. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1986;3:74 (abstr)Google Scholar
  32. 32.
    Menning BE: The emotional needs of infertile couples. Fertil Steril 1980;34:313PubMedGoogle Scholar
  33. 33.
    Shapiro CH: The impact of infertility on the marital relationship. Soc Casework 1982;63:7Google Scholar
  34. 34.
    Rosenfeld DL, Mitchell E: Treating the emotional aspects of infertility: Counseling services in an infertility clinic: Am J Obstet Gynecol 1979;135:177PubMedGoogle Scholar
  35. 35.
    Garner CH: In Vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. JOGN 1983;12:75Google Scholar
  36. 36.
    Greenfeld D, Mazure C, Haseltine FP, DeCherney AH: The role of the social worker in the in vitro fertilization program. Soc Work Health Care 1984;10:71Google Scholar
  37. 37.
    Johnston WIH, Oke K, Spiers A, Clarke GA, McBain J, Bayly C, Hunt J, Clarke GN: Patient selection for in vitro fertilization: Physical and psychological aspects. Ann NY Acad Sci 1985;442:490PubMedGoogle Scholar
  38. 38.
    Andrews L: New Conceptions. New York, St. Martin's Press, 1984Google Scholar
  39. 39.
    Nero FA, Diamond MP, Greenfeld DA, Greenfeld DG, Stronk J, DeCherney AH: Sources of stress in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. Presented at 5th World Congress IVF/ET, Norfolk, VA, 1987. AFS, Progr Suppl, p 96 (abstr)Google Scholar
  40. 40.
    de Zoeten MJ, Tymstra TJ, Alberda AT: The waiting-list for IVF: The motivations and expectations of women waiting for IVF treatment. Hum Reprod 1987;2:263Google Scholar
  41. 41.
    Lavy G, Diamond MP, Nero F, Schark K, DeCherney AH: Transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound for monitoring of follicular development in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program: Patient response. J Vitro Fertil Embryo Transfer 1987;4:293Google Scholar
  42. 42.
    Seibel M, Taymor M: Emotional aspects of infertility. Fertil Steril 1982;37:2Google Scholar
  43. 43.
    Bombardieri MA, Clapp D: Easing stress for IVF patients and staff. Contemp Obstet Gynecol 1984;Oct:91Google Scholar
  44. 44.
    Needleman SK: Infertility and in vitro fertilization: The social worker's role. Health Soc Work 1987;12:135PubMedGoogle Scholar
  45. 45.
    Applegarth LD: Coping and problem-solving in in vitro fertilization patients: A study of two emotional support groups. Presented at 5th World Congress IVF/ET, Norfolk, VA, 1987. AFS, Progr Suppl, p 172 (abstr)Google Scholar
  46. 46.
    Freeman EW, Rickels K, Tausig J, Boxer A, Mastiioianni L, Tureck RW: Emotional and psychosocial factors in followup of women after IVF/ET treatment: A pilot investigation. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1987;66:517PubMedGoogle Scholar
  47. 47.
    Mao K, Wood C: Barriers to treatment of infertility by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Med J Austr 1984; 140:532Google Scholar
  48. 48.
    Leiblum SR, Kemmann E, Colburn D, Pasquale S, DeLisi A: Unsuccessful in vitro fertilization: A follow-up study. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1987;4:46Google Scholar
  49. 49.
    Holmes HB, Tymstra T: In vitro fertilization in the Netherlands: Experiences and opinions of Dutch women. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1987;4:116Google Scholar
  50. 50.
    Freeman EW, Garcia C-R, Rickels K: Behavioral and emotional factors: Comparisons of anovulatory infertile women with fertile and other infertile women. Fertil Steril 1983; 40(2):195PubMedGoogle Scholar
  51. 51.
    Brand HJ, Roos SS, van der Merwe AB: Psychological stress and infertility. I. Psychophysiological reaction patterns. Br J Med Psychol 1982;55:379PubMedGoogle Scholar
  52. 52.
    Edelman RJ, Connolly KJ: Psychological aspects of infertility. Br J Med Psychol 1986;59:209PubMedGoogle Scholar
  53. 53.
    Kemeter P: Studies on psychosomatic implications of infertility—Effects of emotional stress on fertilization and implantation in in-vitro fertilization. Hum Reprod 1988; 3(3):341PubMedGoogle Scholar
  54. 54.
    Noyes RW, Chapnick EM: Literature on psychology and infertility: A critical analysis. Fertil Steril 1964;15:543PubMedGoogle Scholar
  55. 55.
    Mahlstedt PP: The psychological component of infertility. Fertil Steril 1985;43:335PubMedGoogle Scholar
  56. 56.
    Boyers SP, Lavy G, Russell JB, Polan ML, DeCherney AH: Serum prolactin response to embryo transfer during human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1987;4:269Google Scholar
  57. 57.
    Lehtinen AM, Laatikainen T, Koskimies AI, Hovorka J: Modifying effects of epidural analgesia or general anesthesia on the stress hormone response to laparoscopy for in vitro fertilization. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1987;4:23Google Scholar
  58. 58.
    Laufer N, Botero-Ruiz W, DeCherney AH, Haseltine F, Polan ML, Behrman HR: Gonadotropin and prolactin levels in follicular fluid of human ova successfully fertilized in vitro. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1984;58:430PubMedGoogle Scholar
  59. 59.
    Paterson P, Chan C: What proportion of couples undergoing unrestricted in vitro fertilization treatments can expect to bear a child? J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1987;4:334Google Scholar
  60. 60.
    Ludwick-Rosenthal R, Neufeld RWJ: Stress management during noxious medical procedures: An evaluative review of outcome studies. Psychol Bull 1988;104:326PubMedGoogle Scholar
  61. 61.
    Beck AT, Beamesderfer A: Assessment of depression: The Depression Inventory. Psychological Measurements in Psychopharmacology.In Modern Problems in Pharmacopsychiatry Vol 7, P Pichot (ed). Paris, Karger/Basel, 1974, p 151Google Scholar
  62. 62.
    Sweetland RC, Keyser DJ (eds): Tests: A Comprehensive Reference for Assessments in Psychology, Education, and Business, 2nd ed. Kansas City, Test Corporation of America, 1986Google Scholar
  63. 63.
    Murphy KR, Davidshofer CO: Psychological Testing: Principles & Applications. Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Prentice-Hall, 1988Google Scholar
  64. 64.
    Millon T: Disorders of Personality DSM III: Axis II. New York, John Wiley and Sons, 1981Google Scholar
  65. 65.
    Graham JR: The MMPI: A Practical Guide, 2nd ed. New York, Oxford University Press, 1987Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Plenum Publishing Corporation 1989

Authors and Affiliations

  • Carolyn M. Mazure
    • 1
  • Dorothy A. Greenfeld
    • 2
  1. 1.Department of PsychiatryYale University School of MedicineNew Haven
  2. 2.Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyYale University School of MedicineNew Haven

Personalised recommendations