AN EVALUATION OF COUNSELING FOR COUPLES UNDERGOING TREATMENT FOR IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION

Fertility difficulties, along with their investigation and treatment, are widely believed to cause significant psychological problems. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a non-directive coun selling intervention with couples undertaking their first cycle of in- vitro fertilization treatment. Couples were randomly assigned to eithe r a control group, given information about the treatment programme, or to an experimental group, given the same information plus three sessi ons of counselling before, during and on conclusion of the first treat ment cycle. Psychological assessments were made at three points in the treatment process. Ratings were also obtained from the couples on the stress engendered by different parts of the treatment, the effects on their relationship and satisfaction with counselling. The results sho wed the patients to be generally well adjusted and anxiety levels drop ped over the course of treatment. Counselling compared to information alone did not lead to any enhanced reduction in levels of anxiety or d epression. The implications of the findings for service provision are discussed.