Suzanne C Read1, Marie-Eve Carrier2, Marie-Eve Boucher3, Robert Whitley3, Sharon Bond4, Phyllis Zelkowitz5. 1. Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. 2. Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada. 3. Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada. 4. Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada; School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. 5. Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada. Electronic address: phyllis.zelkowitz@mcgill.ca.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the psychosocial supports that infertile couples desire to help cope with infertility-related distress, which psychosocial services they sought, and the benefits and drawbacks of these services. METHODS: Qualitative interview study with 32 heterosexual infertile couples seeking infertility treatment. Maximum variation sampling was used; data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Most couples desired psychosocial support, but only half of the sample sought support. Some couples met with psychologists for help with relationship conflict and coping strategies. Participants suggested peer mentoring to fulfill needs for coping, shared experience, and guidance through the treatment process. Couples also desired written information about practical and emotional aspects of treatment. Negative attitudes toward psychological counseling and a lack of information about support services prevented some couples from seeking support. CONCLUSIONS: Infertile couples expressed numerous needs for psychosocial supports, but often felt that supports were not available. A variety of services should be offered in order to fulfill patients' varied needs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Awareness of the reasons why patients desire psychosocial services will help clinicians to refer patients to currently available psychosocial supports, and will aid in the development of appropriate supports, including couples counseling, peer mentoring, and written information in lay language.
OBJECTIVES: To describe the psychosocial supports that infertile couples desire to help cope with infertility-related distress, which psychosocial services they sought, and the benefits and drawbacks of these services. METHODS: Qualitative interview study with 32 heterosexual infertile couples seeking infertility treatment. Maximum variation sampling was used; data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Most couples desired psychosocial support, but only half of the sample sought support. Some couples met with psychologists for help with relationship conflict and coping strategies. Participants suggested peer mentoring to fulfill needs for coping, shared experience, and guidance through the treatment process. Couples also desired written information about practical and emotional aspects of treatment. Negative attitudes toward psychological counseling and a lack of information about support services prevented some couples from seeking support. CONCLUSIONS:Infertile couples expressed numerous needs for psychosocial supports, but often felt that supports were not available. A variety of services should be offered in order to fulfill patients' varied needs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Awareness of the reasons why patients desire psychosocial services will help clinicians to refer patients to currently available psychosocial supports, and will aid in the development of appropriate supports, including couples counseling, peer mentoring, and written information in lay language.
Authors: Siobhan Bernadette Laura O'Connell; Eden Noah Gelgoot; Paul Henry Grunberg; Joy Schinazi; Deborah Da Costa; Cindy-Lee Dennis; Zeev Rosberger; Phyllis Zelkowitz Journal: Health Psychol Behav Med Date: 2021-02-11
Authors: Marie-Eve Lemoine; Siobhan Bernadette Laura O'Connell; Paul Henry Grunberg; Karolanne Gagné; Carolyn Ells; Phyllis Zelkowitz Journal: Health Psychol Behav Med Date: 2021-02-11