title: Stress and mediators: patients' perceptions of infertility treatment.
abstract: In-depth joint interviews of 25 infertile couples covering the full range of infertility etiologies and treatments were conducted in this qualitative study. Professional competency, sensitivity, and environmental comfort acted as mediators by increasing or decreasing treatment stress. In addition, couples individually or collectively developed action or mental strategies to mitigate stress. High stress, lack of hope, and frustration led to contemplation of terminating treatment.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, San Diego State University, CA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Blenner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology*