Evaluating the efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for infertile women : a feasibility study

Abstract

Negative psychological functioning, such as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress are often comorbid with an infertility diagnosis. Infertile women are an exceptionally high-risk group for severe psychological distress. However, only a small proportion of this population receives appropriate care, although interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can effectively reduce levels of distress. Barriers to seeking psychological treatment include geographical limitations, fear of stigmatization, lack of time, and therapy costs. Internet- based treatments have been proposed as a viable treatment alternative that may address some of these barriers. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and feasibility of an internet-based CBT intervention, called Overcome Fertility Stress. Participants were 35 infertile women. All of them received a three-month access to the intervention. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and infertility-related stress were assessed at baseline and at three- month-follow up. Our results showed that participants expressed an overall satisfaction and acceptance with the intervention as feedback was generally positive. Furthermore, results indicated significant decline in symptoms of depression and stress from pre- to post- treatment, with small effect sizes (d = 0.41-0.42, respectively). Moreover, statistically significant improvements were demonstrated on infertility-related stress. The improvements on these measures yielded small-to-large effect sizes (d = 0.49 to 0.75). These preliminary results suggest it is feasible and effective for infertile women to receive an internet-based CBT intervention. Furthermore, our results add to the literature on the effectiveness of psychological treatments for those who struggle with infertility.Keywords: female infertility, cognitive behavioral therapy, internet-based intervention, psychological distress, infertility-related stress.