Infertility: a non-event transition.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the predictive validity of four transition variables and seven individual variables in differentiating between individual responses to infertility.


METHODS
Forty-three primary infertile women and 28 men attending a general infertility treatment clinic voluntarily agreed to participate in this cross-sectional study and completed five standardized instruments on a one-time-only basis.


RESULTS
Adjustment to infertility was related to positive self-esteem, internal locus of control, higher socioeconomic status, and moderate age. High levels of anxiety and distress were related to low self-esteem, undifferentiated sex role identity, and advanced age. Actual and perceived duration of infertility were factors also related to participants' responses to infertility.


CONCLUSIONS
Results highlight the importance of psychological assessment and continuing support in the management and treatment of infertility, with concerns being raised regarding the advisability of protracted medical intervention.
Koropatnick
S
S
Department of Counselling Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Daniluk
J
J
Pattinson
H A
HA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology