IDENTIFYING WOMEN WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS DURING THE IN VITRO FERTILIZATION PROCESS: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION TEST (PET)

Abstract

Especially strong or inadequate emotional reactions during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment may affect both the success of the treatment and later mental health. This study tested the possibility of using Psychological Evaluation Test for Infertile Couples (PET) scores to identify women with psychological problems during the IVF process, so that they can be offered psychological counseling. The sample comprised 158 women, all of whom were undergoing the IVF treatment at the time of the study, and 128 women who had at least one child conceived without difficulties. All of the respondents filled in a questionnaire concerning their emotional status and coping competencies, while the PET was given only to the respondents undergoing IVF. Respondents with higher PET scores (> 30) have significantly higher Negative Affectivity and Shame in front of others, and lower Positive Affectivity and Coping competencies than the group with low PET scores (≤ 30) and women who conceived without difficulties. Respondents with lower PET scores do not significantly differ from women who conceived without difficulties. The results obtained suggest that the PET cut-off score > 30 may be considered a reliable measure to identify women with psychological problems i.e., reaching scores of > 30 can be taken as an indicator of the need for psychological support.