Effect of psychological intervention on marital satisfaction rate of infertile couples

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of psychological intervention on the rate of marital satisfaction of infertile couples who attended the infertility center in a maternity hospital in Arbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq . A cross-sectional study with 638 infertile couples assessed for depression, 140 couples with a member who had a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score of 17 or higher were randomized to receive psychological treatment either before or during infertility treatment. Logistic regression was performed to eliminate confounding factors and in the later stage, 140 volunteer couples were assigned to two groups of intervention (70 couples) and control (70 couples). The intervention group was treated With Psychological treatment (cognitive-behavioral therapy and supportive psychotherapy) for a period of six months. Evaluation and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication, and Happiness (ENRICH) Marital satisfaction test, Stress scale (Holmes-Rahe) and a demographic-social questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analyzed with t-test, paired t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression. Marital satisfaction after psychological intervention was more common among subjects with level of education of high school or more, housewives, age 19-25 years, duration of marriage or infertility of less than five years or unknown cause of infertility, and subjects without stress or with low stress. These relationships were statistically significant (p< 0.001). Considering the prevalence of marital dissatisfaction among infertile couples and the effect of psychological intervention, special attention should be given to psychological treatments in these subjects. This would help in improving their mental health and quality of life.

Keywords: Marital satisfaction, behavioral cognitive therapy, supportive therapy, infertility