title: Experiential avoidance, self-compassion, self-judgment and coping styles in infertility.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study sought out to explore the existence of differences regarding emotion regulation processes (psychological inflexibility/experiential avoidance, self-judgment and self-compassion) and coping styles (emotional/detached, avoidant and rational) in three different groups of couples: 120 fertile couples (FG), 147 couples with an infertility diagnosis who were pursuing medical treatment for their fertility problem(s) (IG), and 59 couples with infertility applying for adoption (AG).
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional survey, using the couple as unit of analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants filled in paper-pencil questionnaires assessing coping styles, psychological inflexibility/experiential avoidance, self-judgment and self-compassion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  IG couples, and particularly women, tend to use more experiential avoidance and self-judgment mechanisms and less emotional/detached coping style. When compared to FG couples, IG and AG couples tend to apply more avoidant coping strategies. AG couples showed higher self-compassion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest that emotion regulation processes may be an important target in psychological interventions for patients dealing with infertility and with the demands of medical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, Largo da Cruz de Celas, n°1, 3000-132 Coimbra, Portugal; CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3001-802 Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cunha
authors.affiliation: Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, Largo da Cruz de Celas, n°1, 3000-132 Coimbra, Portugal; CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3001-802 Coimbra, Portugal. Electronic address: anagalhardo@ismt.pt.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Galhardo
authors.affiliation: CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3001-802 Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pinto-Gouveia
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy; D000068356:Self-Control / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Coping styles; Infertility; Psychological inflexibility/experiential avoidance; Self-compassion; Self-judgment