Comprehensive Research Report: Psychological Impact of IVF on Couples

This research report investigates the psychological impact of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on couples. The study begins with an introduction to IVF, its background, and the rising rates of infertility, highlighting the emotional distress experienced by couples undergoing treatment. The research questions address the meaning of IVF, its psychological effects, and the measures healthcare professionals use to mitigate these effects. The significance and rationale emphasize the importance of understanding the emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, and potential relationship strain, faced by couples during IVF. The literature review includes a critique of relevant articles, evaluating methodologies and findings. The report outlines the research strategy, methods of data collection, and the data analysis process, providing a comprehensive overview of the research project's structure and approach. Ethical considerations and research limitations are also addressed. The report aims to enhance the understanding of the psychological impact of IVF and provide insights for healthcare professionals and couples considering IVF treatment.

Research Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
BACKGROUND OF STUDY.........................................................................................................1
RESEARCH QUESTION................................................................................................................2
SIGNIFICANCE AND RATIONALE OF RESEARCH STUDY..................................................3
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................5
SUMMARY................................................................................................................................5
CRITIQUE..................................................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................................10
PROPOSED RESEARCH STRATEGY.......................................................................................10
METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION AND SAMPLING.........................................................12
Data collection..........................................................................................................................12
DATA ANALYSIS PROCESS AND STEPS...............................................................................15
OPERATIONAL PLAN FOR RESEARCH.................................................................................16
ETHICAL CONSIDERATION.....................................................................................................17
RESEARCH LIMITATION..........................................................................................................18
MAIN SECTION OF RESEARCH...............................................................................................19
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................21

INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF STUDY
In vitro fertilisation is the process where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body,
i.e. in vitro (in glass). The assisted reproductive technology (ART) gave birth to in vitro
fertilisation which is commonly referred as IVF. In vitro fertilisation (ivf) is a process by which
an egg fertilised sperm outside the term in vitro, from Latin meaning glass, used, because early
medical procedure used to help woman become pregnant. The rate of infertile couples is rising
rapidly worldwide and was reported that 60 to 80 million couples are identified with issue with
infertility. Couples going through this phase of infertility became guilty for not fulfilling the
needs of their partners which eventually evoke mood deterioration. The level of anxiety and
depression increased as couple failed to conceive a child. In this context, the focus of present
research study would be on analysing the psychological impact on couples that undergo IVF
treatments. Researcher in this cross sectional study will conduct literature review in order to
create arguments in the research study. Researcher will also elaborates the research strategy,
design and methods used for collection of data so that readers can know about the research
process. With the help of Gnatt Chart, the operational plan of the for research that includes
achievable tasks. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) gave birth to in vitro
fertilisation which is commonly referred as IVF (Gardner and Simón, 2017). In vitro fertilisation
is applied for the treatment of patients who have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, or male
factor infertility including reduced sperm count or sperm motility, ovulation disorders in women
or premature ovarian failure or due to uterine fibroids, or due to removal of fallopian tubes,
individuals with genetic disorder and unexplained infertility. It has been studied by researchers
that couples show mixed feelings regarding in vitro fertilisation. Both men and women show
identical behaviour and psychological distress. After knowing that they are not able to conceive a
child makes them sad and eventually their depression increases. In many cases, domestic
violence has been seen between couples which lead to separation. The description of research
methodologies will be made in the research project. In this context, the aim and objective of the
present research study is described below:
Aim
The aim of the research is study is “To assess the psychological effects on couples who undergo
in vitro fertilisation treatment.”
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Objectives
The summarised objectives underpinning aim of research is mentioned below:
1. To identify and comprehend the meaning of in vitro fertilisation.
2. To examine the impact of in vitro fertilisation on the psychology of couple who undergo
treatment.
3. To identify measures or therapies used by health care professionals in order to transform
or minimise the effects of psychological factors in couples.
RESEARCH QUESTION
Research questions are the fundamental core for research study. They determine the flow
of research and helps researcher in conducting research analysis in effective and efficient
manner.
In the present research, researcher must answer the following questions which are listed below:
 What is the meaning of in vitro fertilisation?
 What are their impacts on the psychology of couple who undergoes treatment?
 What measures or therapies used by health care professionals in order to transform or
minimise the effects of psychological factors in couples?
Research process is a process which is followed by the researcher in order to accomplish the aim
and objectives of the study (Hauser and et.al., 2016). It is essential for researcher to describe the
research process in explicit and succinct manner so that readers can comprehend it thoroughly.
The research study provides immense opportunities to the researcher by providing adequate
knowledge and education about the in vitro fertilisation. Researcher through this research study
able to gain comprehensive understanding about the psychological and emotional distress faced
by couples who undergo in vitro fertilisation. There few factors which influence researcher in
choosing this topic from a wider topic area which are described below: Topic of interest: Researcher selected the topic from wider areas as the topic is of interest
of researcher. Psychological distress got increased in couples who undergo in vitro
fertilisation. Researcher desire to know what factors affects the most in couples and thus
carried out the research study accordingly. Available of significant amount of literature: The literature for the topic is available
extensively which ultimately reduced the efforts of researcher. Due to significant amount
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of available literature, researcher carried out the literature review in effective and
efficient manner. Aid in enhancing comprehensive understanding: Through this research, researcher was
able to enhance his or her comprehensive understanding about the research topic. From
this research study, researcher knowledge regarding the psychological impact of in vitro
fertilisation on couples has been increased.
 Able to learn more about the issue: From the research study, researcher was able to learn
more about the issues that affects the couples who undergo IVF treatments. From this
research study, researcher will be able to get familiar about the process of in vitro
fertilisation.
SIGNIFICANCE AND RATIONALE OF RESEARCH STUDY
In vitro fertilisation is a process through which baby is produced by combining man's
sperm with woman's egg in a laboratory dish “in vitro”, which means outside the body. With an
increase in technologies and up gradation in the field of medicine, new and enhanced methods of
treatments have been germinating. From hair to heart, from kidney to lungs, for each critical and
chronic condition, new and efficient medical and surgical treatments are now practised in
different healthcare organisations (Bensdorp and et.al., 2016). Due to numerous benefits
associated with in vitro fertilisation, couples prefer to undergo in vitro fertilisation. The first
benefit of IVF is that anyone can have a baby. The process makes it possible for any person or
couple to have a baby, regardless of family status or sexual orientation. Single women and men
who've had a hard time conceiving have all used IVF as a way to obtain child. Though, there are
number of issues associated with IVF. Men who have been identified with infertility issue
prefers to not to express their feelings explicitly. They hide the information or keep it with
themselves so that partner won't get hurt. This increases their psychological distress and they
became infuriated day by day. Infertility can be perceived as stressful and straining conditions
which affects the psychology of couples negatively. Infertility causes damage to relationship of
couples and it can create negative and permanent affects on the relationship of couples (Ying
and et.al., 2018). Couples who undergo in vitro fertilisation tends to show depressed and anxious
behaviour. This research significant for other researchers, nurses, healthcare professionals as
they could able to assess what are the major psychological impacts that couples may face before
and after in vitro fertilisation. The research study can be beneficial for couples who are planning
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to have in vitro fertilisation. They will able to enhance their knowledge about the treatment and
its negative and positive impacts on their psychology.
The research project is significance for the academicians, PhD scholars, students of
nursing and people in the field of medical and psychology. The present research project will help
in contrasting on the psychological impact on couples who undergo in vitro fertilisation. This
research will helps in delivering adequate knowledge and information about the in vitro
fertilisation and its impact on the mentality and behaviour of couples who undergo the treatment.
This can be beneficial for them as academicians and other researchers will be able to enhance the
level of knowledge and education regarding the subject matter. In vitro fertilisation helps in
addressing infertility issues. The traditional use of IVF is to provide assistance to both man and
woman by addressing their infertility issues. Women, who possess missing, destroyed, or
jammed fallopian tubes were some of the initial patients to carry out successful IVFs (Péloquin
and et.al., 2018). The egg is fertilised outside the body of woman and then placed inside the
uterus for a more likely implantation. In this context, the research project will benefits the
women who desire to have IVF treatment in future by elaborating them few advantages
associated with it.
Infertility can be perceived as stressful and straining conditions which affects the
psychology of couples negatively. Infertility causes damage to relationship of couples and it can
create negative and permanent affects on the relationship of couples. Researches states that
women are more likely to be affected after knowing about infertility than men. The research
project will helps in examining the psychological impact on couples who undergo in vitro
fertilisation. This can be beneficial for healthcare professionals and medical professionals who
are associated with in vitro fertilisation. They will be able to acquire adequate knowledge and
information about the factors which effects their psychology drastically. From this research
study, the various factors which impacts on the psychology on couples will be discussed thus
helps in enhancing comprehension understanding of healthcare professionals, nurses and
clinicians working in fertilisation clinics and hospitals.
Eventually, from this research study, researcher will be able to enhance his or her level of
knowledge and understanding about the factors that affects the psychology of couples who
undergo in vitro fertilisation. From this research study, researcher will be able to get familiar
about the process of in vitro fertilisation. From literature review, researcher will be able to
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understand what were the reviews of senior researchers and authors regarding the subject matter
and thus eventually will be able to enhance his or her level of knowledge and understanding.
LITERATURE REVIEW
SUMMARY
Literature review is considered to be an essential and vital part of the research study.
Here, researcher aims to explain the subject matter in more detailed and in explicit manner by
critically reviewing the work of previous researchers. Researcher creates robust arguments in
literature review by comparing and contrasting on the articles and previous researchers. IVF
creates huge effects on the psychology of couples who undergo the surgery. In this literature
review, the critique of relevant articles will be made by researcher.
CRITIQUE
Article 1: “Prevention of multiple pregnancies in couples with unexplained or mild male
subfertility: randomised controlled trial of in vitro fertilisation with single embryo transfer
or in vitro fertilisation in modified natural cycle compared with intrauterine insemination
with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.”
In the research conducted by Bensdorp and et.al. (2015) elaborated about the transfer o
single embryo in modified natural cycle by comparing it with intrauterine insemination through
controlled ovarian hyper stimulation. Majority of the researchers in the study were gynaecologist
and only A.J. Bensdrop and Tijon-Kon-Fat were PhD students. The article was about prevention
of multiple pregnancies in couples with unexplained or mild male subfertility. Randomised
controlled trial of in vitro fertilisation with single embryo transfer or in vitro fertilisation in
modified natural cycle compared with intrauterine insemination with controlled ovarian
hyperstimulation. 602 couples were randomly selected by the researcher. The main outcome of
study classified into two, primary and secondary. In the primary outcome, healthy child resulting
from singleton pregnancy conceived within 12 months after randomisation has been assessed. In
the secondary outcome, live birth, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, multiple pregnancy,
time to pregnancy, complications of pregnancy, and neonatal morbidity and mortality has been
derived. The strength identified of the article includes the robust research and explicit
interpretation of the data which focuses on the core research problems. The weaknesses
identified the inadequate use of literature in the research study. This article support the study by
providing explicit understanding about in vitro fertilisation.
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Article 2: “The experience of Chinese couples undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment:
perception of the treatment process and partner support.”
Ying, Wu and Loke, (2015) discussed the effects of psychological interventions on the
psychological health, pregnancy rates and marital function of infertile couples undergoing in
vitro fertilisation. The authors were professors at School of Nursing, The Hong Kong
Polytechnic University and Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou China. The motive
of article is to investigate the impacts of psychological interventions on the mental health,
marital functions and pregnancy rates of infertile couples who undergone in vitro fertilisation.
Authors conducted randomised control trial on 20 participants. Positive results were identified
due to intervening harm therapy, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy in reducing
anxiety levels, etc. in infertile couples but non of these interventions were able to relieving
depression and stress of couples who undergo in vitro fertilisation. The positive side of article is
that the authors have adequately explained the psychological impact on couples who undergo
IVF through their randomised control trial and the downside of article is that researcher used less
intervention in order to analyse the impact on psychology of couples. The article supports the
present study by explaining the impact on psychology of couples who undergo the in vitro
fertilisation.
Article 3: “Experiences of physical activity during pregnancy resulting from in vitro
fertilisation: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.”
Walker, Mills and Gilchrist, (2017) explicitly elucidated that couples communication,
bond, relationship, trust and belief greatly hampers after knowing the issue of infertility. Chloe
Walker is Adult Psychologist at North Kensington & Chelsea Community Mental Health Team,
London, UK, Hayley Mills is professor at School of Human and Life Sciences, Cantebury Christ
University Cantebury, United Kingdom and Angela Gilchrist is professor at School of
Psychology, Politics and Sociology at Cantebury Christ University Cantebury, UK. Researchers
provides explicit information regarding experiences of physical activity during pregnancy
resulting from in vitro fertilisation. Researchers conducted semi structured interview with eight
women who have undergone in vitro fertilisation and were pregnant or had given birth within
last two years. From the results it was identified that three superordinate themes were emerged
from the data and ten subthemes were emerged that indicates navigate experiences of infertility
the IVF process and subsequent decision making about PA during pregnancy. The strengths of
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the articles were the robust research conducted by the researcher focusing on the core issue and
objective. The gap in the article was that researcher can increase the number of participants in
order to enhance the effectiveness of the study. The article underpin the present study by
elaborating the self control experience of pregnant women who undergo IVF.
Article 4: “Endurance with partnership: a preliminary conceptual framework for couples
undergoing in vitro fertilisation treatment.”
Ying and et.al., (2018) presented statements about endurance with partnership. They
presented the conceptual framework for couples undergoing in virto fertilisation treatment. All
the authors were professors in different university of China. Authors states that in vitro
fertilisation is directly related with woman which indicates that women are more prone to risk of
emotional instability and they might develop emotions of guilt, tension, depression, anxiety and
stress. Researchers used Endurance with Partnership Conceptual Framework (P-EPCF) for
analysing the research. As per this model, researchers assess the impacts of infertility and IVF
treatment can be mediated by the couples partnership and dyadic coping. Improvements can be
expected in psychological well being and martial functioning of IVF couples. The strengths of
this article is that researcher thoroughly and efficiently utilise the conceptual framework in order
to underpin their study. The weaknesses of the research is that researchers were not able to
articulate the research findings in succinct manner which becomes complex for readers. This
article helps in understanding the concepts of psychological affects on couples who undergo in
vitro fertilisation and thus becomes useful for present study.
Article 5: “Whose fault is it? Blame predicting psychological adjustment and couple
satisfaction in couples seeking fertility treatment.”
Péloquin and et.al., (2018) discussed that elucidated that couples communication, bond,
relationship, trust and belief greatly hampers after knowing the issue of infertility. The authors
were qualified as professors at different university at Canada. Authors have examined couples
psychological distress got increased and both partners become guilty of not satisfying the needs
of each other. The study used dyadic approach to examine the nexus between blaming oneself,
one's partner and both partners. In order to carry out the research study, the researcher surveyed
279 couples who have enrolled in fertility treatments. They were inquired about the extent to
which they blamed themselves and their partner for fertility problems. The results indicates that
partners men’s self-blame also predicted their own lower relationship satisfaction, whereas
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women’s self-blame predicted more depression and anxiety in their partner. The strengths of the
research study conducted by researcher was the deep analysis and research methods. They have
conducted research in effective and efficient manner. The weak part of the study was inadequate
review and use of literature in the research study. This article greatly assists in understanding the
psychological impact of couples who undergo in vitro fertilisation.
Article 6: “Exploratory randomized trial on the effect of a brief psychological intervention
on emotions, quality of life, discontinuation, and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization
patients.”
Domar and et.al., (2015) discussed the effect of a brief psychological intervention on
emotions, quality of life, discontinuation and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilisation patients.
Alice D. Domar and Jacky Boivin were PhD scholars others researchers were qualified to
masters and bachelors level. In the study researches states that women are more likely to be
affected after knowing about infertility than men. The objective of the study is to determine
whether a brief self-administered cognitive coping and relaxation intervention (CCRI) would
lead to decreased treatment termination in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients compared with
routine care (RC). From the conclusion it was derived that CCRI technique is successful in
improving the psychological status of patients but not statistically significantly more treatment
cycle or a higher pregnancy rates. The strengths of the article are robust research and analysis of
collected data through observations. Researcher able to explain the data in effective and succinct
manner. The weak part of article is the less use of literature review in order to enhance the
comprehension understanding of readers. The article has been selected for present research study
in order to determine the impact of in vitro fertilisation on the psychology of women who
undergo treatment.
Article 7: “The impact of complementary therapies on psychosocial factors in women
undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF): A systematic literature review.”
LoGiudice and Massaro, (2018) discussed the influence of complementary therapies on
psychological factors in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation. The authors were PhD scholars
and registered nurses. They have conducted the research study in order to accomplish the aim
and objective. The aim of their study is to assess the impact of therapies provided to women who
undergo IVF treatment. The research study was systematic review where researchers analyse and
conducted literature review. The articles were collected from CINAHL and PubMed data bases
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which were published from January 2010 to 2017, written in English and which examined the
complementary therapy on the psychological well being of women who undergo IVF.
Researchers found that 11 studies published bewteen 2010-2015 were based randomised control
trial (n=7), that assess the psychological factor and most frequent was anxiety (n=8). The forms
of therapies mostly used were Hatha Yoga, cognitive behavioural interventions and mind body
therapies (n=2). The strength of the paper is the robust systematic review and selection of the
articles. Researchers explicitly analysed the articles and present result in most understandable
manner. The weak part of the research was limited selection of articles. The research study was
selected in present research in order to enhance the effectiveness of the research study.
Article 8: “The impact of infertility on the psychological well-being, marital relationships,
sexual relationships, and quality of life of couples: A systematic review.”
Luk and Loke, (2015) discussed the impact of Infertility on the psychological well-
being, marital relationships, sexual relationships, and quality of life of couples. The researchers
were professor at School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong. Researchers have conducted
systematic review in order to assess the impact. The purpose of their systematic review is to
identify the supporting evidence that effect of infertility of couples. In order to derive articles,
researchers used MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINHAL Plus from year 2000-2014 and which
published in English. In the result section, researcher described that infertility impacts on couples
in four aspect of their life which are psychological marital relationships, sexual relationships, and
quality of life. The evidence of negative effect of infertility was found in the studies regarding
psychological well being and sexual relationship. Inadequate result found on the effect on marital
relationship and quality of life. The strengths of article were the source from where the articles
were taken from. Researchers carried out the systematic review in explicit and understandable
manner. Though, there were no such weaknesses identified in the study as researchers explicitly
explained the impact of IVF on psychology of couples. The article selected is useful which helps
in describing the psychological impact of couple who undergo IVF.
Frederiksen and et.al., (2015) discussed the efficacy of psychological interventions for
psychology and pregnancy outcomes in infertile women and men. The article was not useful as it
does not underpin the present research aim and objectives. Agostini and et.al., (2018) discussed
about the effect of previous reproductive outcomes in subfertile women after in vitro fertilisation.
The article was not useful as it does not support the objective of present research study. Lorber,
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(2014) presented article on in vitro fertilisation and gender politics. The article was not useful as
it does not provide adequate information about psychological impacts of IVF on couples.
Klonoff-Cohen, (2017) discussed prevailing knowledge about Male and Female lifestyle habits
and In Vitro Fertilization in the 21st century. The article was not useful for the study as it does
not support present research aim and objective.
CONCLUSION
Summing up the literature review, it can be understood that the assisted reproductive
technology (ART) gave birth to in vitro fertilisation which is commonly referred as IVF. In vitro
fertilization (ivf) is a reproductive technology in which an egg removed from woman, joined
with sperm cell man test tube (in vitro) definition, meaning, what treatment for woman who
cannot become pregnant naturally. The articles selected for the study adequately describe the
IVF and its psychological affects on couples. The level of anxiety and depression increased as
couple failed to conceive a child. Couples also shows feelings of self esteem due to their
infertility which influence them to undergo IVF.
PROPOSED RESEARCH STRATEGY
A research strategy is simply a plan of how researcher aim to achieve research goals and
objectives. Research strategy refers as strategy through which a researcher is able to accomplish
the goal and object of particular research. In order to attain the aim of research study, it is
essential and vital for researcher to select precise research strategy (Taylor, Bogdan and
DeVault, 2015). There are numerous types of research design which are utilised by researchers in
order to carry out particular research study. These includes systematic review, meta-analysis,
qualitative, quantitative, case study analysis, randomised control trials, etc. Every strategy
possess specific functions but the purpose remains the same which is to provide assistance to
researcher in order to carry out the research aim and objectives. In the present research project,
qualitative research study will be used. Qualitative research study is a process of inquiring
realistic which seeks deeper understanding under natural setting the affect on social phenomena.
Thus, through qualitative research strategy, researcher will be able to accomplish the aim and
objectives of the research study effectively and efficiently. In this context, the advantages and
disadvantages of qualitative research study is described below:
Qualitative research strategy
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