Abstract
Twenty infertile couples participated in the present study to investigate psychological, marital, and sexual adjustment, specifically as related to length of time they had been in treatment. The instruments administered were the SCL-90-R (Symptom Checklist), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and Index of Sexual Satisfaction (1SS). Findings indicated marital and sexual adjustment did not adversely relate to length of time infertile couples had been seeking medical attention. However, psychological distress was evident, especially for husbands during the time when treatment regimens begin. Psychological intervention may help normalize feelings, provide practical information related to the experience of infertility treatment, assess coping skills, and evaluate expectations. In addition, clinicians must implement any type of psychological intervention with both members of the infertile couple, regardless of which spouse is receiving the medical treatment.
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Markestad, C.L., Montgomery, L.M. & Bartsch, R.A. Infertility and Length of Medical Treatment Effects on Psychological, Marital, and Sexual Functioning. International Journal of Rehabilitation and Health 4, 233–243 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022966829561
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022966829561