Effect of Fertility Stress as Mediated by Psychosocial Factors on Infertile Couples' Ability to Have Children
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Authors
Reed, Karen A.
Issue Date
1997
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Fertility problems are associated with high levels of stress and symptoms of
psychological distress. Additionally, fertility problem stress is associated with
physiological changes which can decrease the likelihood of conception. This study
attempted to determine how fertility problem stress, as mediated by 5 psychosocial
factors, affects the likelihood of infertile couples having children. A longitudinal study
was completed in which data was collected from 315 White infertile individuals, of which
123 became parents within 2 years. Age, household income, length of time one suspected
they had a fertility problem, and one's quality of life were the variables revealed to
predict future parental status (p <= .05). Other variables, including fertility problem stress,
self-efficacy, negative affect, positive affect, and control over fertility problem, did not
appear to affect reproduction rates. Possible interpretations of findings, as well as
implications for psychologists, fertility specialists, and future researchers are discussed.
Description
v, 134 p.
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License
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