Testing a New Self-help Intervention for Infertility Related Distress: a Pilot Study

Testing a New Self-help Intervention for Infertility Related Distress: a Pilot Study

This pilot study will test the effect of a 6-week self-help program in improving fertility-related quality of life as well as anxious and depressive symptoms, in women with infertility.

Twenty women with infertility living in Saskatchewan will be recruited and will be emailed six weekly 10-minute videos, each providing instructions on a new psychological technique that is aimed at addressing the emotional and interpersonal challenges of infertility. Fertility-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, and anxious symptoms will be measured before and after the program. Outcomes will also be measured weekly for three weeks post-intervention. Feedback about how to improve the program will also be collected.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Has been trying to get pregnant for 12+ months and has failed OR is currently undergoing fertility treatments due to a diagnosis of infertility
• Lives in Saskatchewan, Canada
• Reports a high level of distress related to infertility, as indicated by a FertiQoL score below 52 or at least mild anxious or depressive symptoms (GAD-7 score of 5 or above or PHQ-9 score of 5 or above)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Has a history of suicide attempts
• Is currently experiencing suicidal ideation
• Reports severe depressive symptoms, as indicated by a PHQ-9 score above 19
• Reports severe anxious symptoms, as indicated by a GAD-7 score above 14