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Evaluating the efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for fertility stress in women: a feasibility study
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 November 2022
Abstract
Background:
Women who are trying to conceive may be at risk of experiencing psychological distress. However, only a small proportion receive appropriate care, although interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can effectively reduce levels of distress.
Aims:
Our aim was to determine the efficacy and feasibility of an internet-based CBT intervention, called Overcome Fertility Stress (OFS).
Method:
Fifty-five women who were struggling with conception were offered 3-month access to OFS, which is a fully automated yet individualized program via pre-programmed text, video and audio files. The program tailors its intervention around the symptoms the users report to the program.
Results:
Significant improvements were demonstrated on infertility-related stress, with small-to-large effect sizes (d = 0.49 to 0.75). Furthermore, there was a significant decline in symptoms of depression and stress from pre- to post-treatment (d = 0.41 to 0.42, respectively). Finally, participants expressed overall satisfaction with the intervention.
Conclusions:
These preliminary results suggest it is feasible and effective for women who experience fertility stress to receive an internet-based CBT intervention. Finally, these results add to the literature on the effectiveness of psychological treatments for those who struggle with fertility issues.
- Type
- Brief Clinical Report
- Information
- Copyright
- © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
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Bjornsdottir et al. supplementary material
Bjornsdottir et al. supplementary material
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