The Relationship between Coping Strategy and Adaptation to Infertility among Women Who Underwent Assisted Reproduction Treatment

The way of coping with infertility affects the mental health of infertile couples. The association of coping strategies and adaptability in women who underwent assisted reproductive treatment are controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between coping strategies and adaptability in infertile women who underwent assisted reproductive therapy.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 212 women who underwent assisted reproduction treatment using convenience sampling. Adaptability to infertility and coping strategies were evaluated using validated self-report questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using the multivariable linear regression test. The structural equation modeling was done using AMOS software version 24.

The results showed that independent of the age, monthly income and duration of infertility, there was a negative significant relationship between adaptability to infertility and self-blame, ruminative self-focus, emotional expression, and emotional understanding. Although, a positive significant relationship between adaptability and liberation of the mind strategy exists. The overall structural equation model analysis represented good fit for the model indicating the relationship between coping strategies and infertility adaptability (CMIN/DF = 0.46, P = 0.91).

The results showed that in women who underwent assisted reproductive therapy, only the use of mind liberation strategies had a positive effect on adaptability and other coping strategies had an inverse effect with adaptability.