Dimensions Of Adjustment Research Articles

Development and Psychometric Examination of a New Social Competence Outcome Measure for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Observational Social Competence Assessment.

Current assessments of social competence for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are mostly designed for screening or diagnosis, not for measuring outcomes. This study aimed to develop a professional-administrated outcome measure, the Observational Social Competence Assessment (OSCA), and examine its psychometric properties. The OSCA was constructed based on a multidimensional view of social competence (i.e., social skill elements, social reciprocity, and social adjustment). For psychometric evaluation, 89 children with ASD between 3 and 12 years (mean = 70.69 months, SD = 15.31) were assessed with the OSCA and with assessments of ASD symptoms, verbal comprehension ability, and adaptive function. The results show that the OSCA has good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.820-0.954), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] = 0.917-0.960), and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.905-0.974). The OSCA also has good convergent (r = 0.508-0.703, p < 0.01) and divergent validity (r = 0.105, p = 0.496), as well as good responsiveness to changes in the social adjustment dimension (Cohen's d = 1.26 and standardized response mean [SRM] = 1.92). Conclusively, these results show that the OSCA is sufficiently reliable, valid and responsive to be applied as an outcome measure of social competence in children with ASD.

The associations between interparental conflict and adolescent adjustment: a cross-lagged panel network analysis.

Extensively studied in interparental relationship literature suggests interparental conflict is a risk factor for adolescent adjustment, but the specific, dimension level relationships between interparental conflict and adolescent adjustment remain unclear. This study explored the interactions between the various dimensions of interparental conflict and adolescent adjustment in Chinese adolescents. A total of 1870 Chinese adolescents (42.27% males; Mage = 16.18, SD = 0.43, range = 15-18) completed a survey at two time points spaced three months apart. Data was analyzed using both cross-sectional and longitudinal network analysis. The cross-sectional network analysis found that resolution has the greatest connections with the dimensions of adolescent adjustment, suggesting that adolescents reporting high resolution are more prone to experience concurrent poor adjustment and therefore should be a primary focus of attention. The longitudinal network analysis revealed that, in general, previous hyperactivity-inattention is a significant and strong predictor of future interparental conflict, underscoring a child-driven effect. Meanwhile, prosocial behavior contributes to decreases in both interparental conflict and adjustment problems over time. These findings highlight the importance of addressing hyperactivity-inattention and cultivating prosocial behavior in adolescents as key intervention points-these can help resolve conflicts between parents and reduce adjustment problems for adolescents.

Investigation of Social Constraints, Psychosocial Adjustment and Optimism among Dialysis Patients.

Social constraints are perceived as unsupportive behaviors, leading to inadequate psychosocial adjustment, while optimism can help people recover from distress and reduce any negative effects of chronic disease. The aim of this study was to investigate social constraints, psychosocial adjustment and optimism among patients on dialysis. In this study, 402 patients undergoing dialysis in Greece completed the following questionnaires: (i) the Social Constraints Scale (SCS) for the assessment of social constrains, (ii) the Psychosocial adjustment to illness scale (PAIS-SR) for the assessment of psychosocial adjustment, and (iii) the LOT-R scale for the assessment of optimism. A Mann-Whitney test was used for the comparison of continuous variables between two groups. Spearman correlation coefficients (rho) were used to explore the association of two continuous variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was used with the SCS scale. Greater difficulty in psychosocial adjustment in the domestic, vocational, extended family and social environments, sexual relationships, and health care as well as greater psychological distress were significantly associated with a greater occurrence of social constraints (p < 0.001). Additionally, greater optimism was significantly associated with fewer social constraints and lower difficulty in adjusting to their disease (p < 0.001). Greater difficulty in all dimensions of psychosocial adjustment is associated with more social constraints, while optimism is associated with fewer social constraints and better disease adjustment.

Exploring Emotional Intelligence and College Adjustment in Final-Year College Students

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the dimensions of college adjustment and domains of emotional intelligence among final-year students (7th semester) with the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) curriculum. This research used a correlational method with a non-experimental quantitative approach. The study respondents were final-year students of the Faculty of Psychology, Padjadjaran University, who participated in MBKM activities outside the university during the sixth semester and resumed regular classes during the seventh semester. Among 72 eligible students, 67 participated in the study. The instruments used to measure college adjustment and emotional intelligence were the translated version of Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) and an instrument based on Goleman's emotional intelligence theory, respectively. Correlation tests were conducted using the Pearson Product Moment. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between college adjustment and emotional intelligence (r = 0.410, p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the analysis proved correlations among certain dimensions of college adjustment and domains of emotional intelligence. The implications highlight the role of MBKM activities in enhancing students' skills to support their adaptation and emotional intelligence.

Hospital managers' perspectives on pregnancy policy and work adjustments: A cross-sectional study.

Risk assessment and work adjustment according to EU legislation may safeguard pregnant employees and their offspring. Knowledge on management perspectives in relation to implementation of protective measures is limited. The primary aim was to describe Danish hospital managers' engagement in pregnancy policy and work adjustment for pregnant employees. The secondary aim was to investigate how managers' characteristics and the setting affect engagement and behaviour. This was a cross-sectional study of survey data from 212 managers. Outcomes were within dimensions of health promotion, pregnancy policy, work adjustment, collaboration, manager support, and sick leave. Logistic and ordinal logistic regression models were applied to identify associations between background information and outcomes. Of the managers included, 84% arranged meetings and 76% conducted occupational risk assessment. Most managers (96%) engaged in dialogue with the employees before sick leave. Most managers felt competent in providing guidance for pregnant employees and 99% considered work adjustment important, mainly to safeguard mothers and children. The self-reported data showed positive associations between female managers and feeling competent to guide the employee. Further, management training was associated with meetings with pregnant employees. Seniority was associated with feeling competent to guide and dialogue. Midwifery support was associated with competence in guiding employees about risk factors. Work adjustment and risk assessment for pregnant employees are considered a priority by Danish hospital managers. Overall, managers feel competent guiding pregnant employees. However, managers experience midwifery support beneficial for the guidance of pregnant employees.

Sailing through the international assignment: exploring the role of perceived credibility in expatriate adjustment and socialization process in the host country

PurposeThe extant literature on expatriate adjustment primarily highlights the role of host country nationals (HCNs) in supporting expatriates during international assignments. However, there is a dearth of research exploring the expatriates’ socialization process in establishing interpersonal relationships with HCNs. Additionally, the pivotal element of expatriates seeking credible HCN sources, fundamental for fostering these relationships for adjustment, remains largely unexamined in the context of expatriate literature. Thus, this study addresses these gaps by proposing a conceptual model to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the expatriate adjustment process.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper draws upon the theoretical framework of social identity theory to elucidate how socialization processes initiated by the parent organization and the expatriate shape the expatriate’s perception of HCN credibility. This perception, in turn, serves as the foundation for building a robust support system, ultimately leading to expatriate adjustment.FindingsThe proposed model explores the nuanced dimensions of expatriate adjustment, emphasizing the complex dynamics between expatriates and host country nationals during individualized socialization. This model aims to assess the credibility of HCNs in the eyes of expatriates and understand the role of the institutionalized socialization process. Further, the model investigates the influence of perceived similarity traits in the examined relationship, shedding light on the interplay of these factors and their impact on the expatriate’s adjustment to the international assignment.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings offer practical insights for organizations looking to enhance their support systems for expatriates, emphasizing the importance of nurturing interpersonal relationships and the credibility of HCNs.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the expatriate literature by shedding light on the often-overlooked interpersonal relationship between expatriates and HCNs. Doing so opens new avenues for further research, offering a fresh perspective on the expatriate adjustment process.

Understanding the Traumatic Impact of Serious Chronic Illness

IntroductionThe diagnosis of a severe chronic illness represents a deeply impactful traumatic event, frequently giving rise to initial adverse consequences that can manifest as post-traumatic stress. The duration and characteristics of these effects exhibit considerable variation among individuals.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the levels of post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, and psychosocial adaptation among individuals coping with chronic diseases.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 92 participants with chronic illnesses, recruited through convenience and snowball sampling. Data collection utilized an online questionnaire that included both demographic questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of participants’ experiences, as well as psychometric scales for measuring post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, and psychosocial adaptation.Instruments used :1.PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)2.Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and Tedeschi and Calhoun Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (TCGI).3.Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS).Analysis included descriptive statistics and inductive analysis using SPSS (p &lt; 0.05). Ethical considerations were observed, with informed consent and data confidentiality.Results The study revealed the presence of low to moderate levels of post-traumatic stress (M= 2.45), moderate levels of post-traumatic growth (M= 2.90), and moderate levels of psychosocial adaptation in various aspects of participants’ lives, including work (M= 2.36), sexuality (M= 2.11), sociability (M= 2.28), relationships with partners and family members (M= 1.92), and perception of their health (M= 1.94). Furthermore, the overall psychosocial situation of the participants was found to range from low to moderate (M= 2.48). Notably, individuals with fewer chronic illnesses tended to experience lower levels of post-traumatic stress and exhibited less adaptation in their work. Additionally, higher levels of post-traumatic growth were observed in women and patients with higher educational backgrounds. The analysis revealed a positive and statistically significant correlation (sig.&lt;0.05) between post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, and various dimensions of psychosocial adjustment among the participants.ConclusionsA chronic illness diagnosis can be deeply traumatic, potentially causing post-traumatic stress. However, it’s crucial to understand that this doesn’t diminish the possibility of post-traumatic growth and effective psychosocial adaptation. To foster this positive path, individuals must receive holistic psychological and emotional support, along with essential social assistance as they navigate life with chronic diseases.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT AMONG ADOLESCENT: GENDER DIFFERENCE

This study is aimed at finding the difference in personal adjustment in adolescents of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. Hypothesis testing research design is adopted for this study. Data is collected from 100 male and 100 female adolescents using standardized questionnaire following convenience sampling technique. SPSS is used for data analysis. The results revealed that the present level of personal adjustment practices is just below the average among adolescents of Muzaffarpur district. The present level of home, health, social and emotional dimensions of personal adjustment practices is above the average among adolescents of Muzaffarpur district. Female reported higher personal adjustment than male in case of personal adjustment. It is also reported that female is significantly higher in case of home, health and social dimension of personal adjustment while no significant difference reported for emotional dimension among adolescents of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. It is recommended to adolescents of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar to maintain the level and take help of psychiatric for further better level.

Marital Adjustment and Emotional Empathy in Married Couples

Marital adjustment is the state in which there is feeling of happiness and satisfaction between husband and wife with their marriage and with each other. Marital adjustment refers to a process and outcome which is determined by the amount of differences, interpersonal tensions and personal anxiety, satisfaction, cohesion and consensus and affection expression in marital relationship. Emotional empathy refers to one's vicarious experience of another's emotional experiences and feeling what the other person feels. The present study adopts a between groups design to study the difference between married couples living in same city and married couples living in different cities with respect to marital adjustment and its dimensions and emotional empathy. The study also adopts between group design to study gender difference among the married couples living in same city and married couples living in different cities. Furthermore, the study adopts correlational design to determine the relationship between marital adjustment and emotional empathy among married couples living in same city and married couples living in different cities. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select a sample of married couples living in same city (N=50) and married couples living in different cities (N=50). Results showed that there were significant differences between married couples living in same city and married couples living in different cities with respect to the satisfaction, consensus, cohesion and affection expression dimensions of marital adjustment and emotional empathy. Significant differences were also found between men and women with respect to the satisfaction and consensus dimensions of marital adjustment and emotional empathy. The study recommends that support and understanding from spouses and better affection expression would help married couples achieve greater marital satisfaction.

Profiles of Learners of Turkish as a Second Language in Terms of Acculturation Orientation, Psychological Adjustment, and Perceived Cultural Distance

When individuals encounter a cultural circle other than the one that constructs their memory, self, and consciousness, they are likely to experience some adaptation problems. Especially for individuals living in a foreign country, such problems can be much more diverse. Therefore, it is extremely important to examine such problems by focusing on the individual’s perceptions and experiences in various dimensions. The aim of this study is to determine the profiles of learners of Turkish as a second language in terms of acculturation orientation, psychological adjustment, and perceived cultural distance and the relationship between them. In line with this aim, the correlational method, one of the quantitative research methods, was preferred in the study. The sample group consisted of 300 learners at B2, C1 and C1+ language levels who were studying at Turkish language teaching centres of different universities in Türkiye in the 2022-2023 academic year. A 7-point Likert-type short scale developed by Demes and Geeraert (2014) consisting of the dimensions of acculturation orientation, psychological adjustment, and cultural distance was used as a data collection tool; the data were analyzed using the SPSS 26.0 statistical package program. As a result of the research, it was found that the participants, who exhibited different profiles in terms of scores according to gender, language level, education level, reason for coming to Türkiye, native language, and number of languages known, showed that as their orientation toward home culture increased, their orientation toward Turkish culture and perceived cultural distance scores increased correlatively; however, their psychological adjustment scores decreased. While no relationship was found between the participants' orientation toward Turkish culture and their psychological adjustment and intercultural distance perceptions, it was observed that as their psychological adjustment scores increased, their perceived cultural distance scores decreased. Finally, the results obtained from the study were interpreted and discussed in the light of the literature. Various suggestions were also presented to the researchers by mentioning the limitations of the study.

The development path of micro-course concept and university music education mode under the background of “Internet+”

Abstract This study integrates the microcourse concept into the realm of university music education, leveraging the benefits of microcourses tailored specifically for this discipline. It introduces a problem-solving-oriented teaching model for university music microcourses. The paper delves into the unique attributes of music education microcourse resources and addresses the need for sharing these resources across universities. To this end, it advocates the use of the PBFT consensus algorithm, supplemented by enhancements to the algorithm itself, in conjunction with data security storage technologies to bolster the protection of educational resources in university music micro-courses. Furthermore, the research evaluates the effectiveness of the microcourse model in university music education by examining the independent learning capabilities and problem-solving skills of the learners. The analysis focuses on the impact of learning behaviors on the outcomes under the microcourse framework. The dimensions of learners’ independent learning ability are assessed in terms of implementation and adjustment, goal-setting and planning, and application and reflection. The findings reveal mean values of 3.9865±0.68024, 3.7696±0.68595, and 3.6508±0.60124 for these dimensions, respectively. Notably, the dimension of implementation and adjustment scored the highest, indicating that learners are capable of timely adjustments to their learning status in alignment with their educational goals and plans. The study concludes that support from music education micro-courses significantly enhances learners’ independence in learning, and the synergistic effect of this model presents distinct advantages.

Impact of Learning Adjustment Dimensions on Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Nursing Freshmen: The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital.

To examine the influence of learning adjustment dimensions (motivation, attitude, ability, teaching pattern, and environment) on depressive symptoms in Chinese nursing freshmen, and the mediating role of psychological capital. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 471 nursing freshmen at a university in May 2024. The anonymous self-reported questionnaire included the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Learning Adjustment Questionnaire, and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0 and PROCESS v4.1 macro, including correlation and mediation analysis. Learning adjustment had a significant direct effect on depressive symptoms among nursing freshmen (β = -0.565, p <0.001), and psychological capital partially mediated this relationship (β= -0.156, 95% Boot CI [-0.107, -0.135]), suggesting psychological capital explains part of the link between poor learning adjustment and depressive symptoms. More attention should be paid to the mental health issues of freshmen. Addressing learning adjustment issues and fostering psychological capital among nursing freshmen may alleviate depressive symptoms, which will require relevant educational interventions and mental health support from university educators and counselors.

Labor cost stickiness and managerial decisions on human capital adjustment

PurposeOn the basis of labor economics theories, this study examines how adjustment in human capital accounts for labor cost stickiness.Design/methodology/approachThis study makes use of employee education level as a measure of the quality of human capital and relies on data from Chinese public firms to conduct the empirical test. This study focuses on two important components of labor cost changes: one corresponding to the adjustment in the number of employees (capacity adjustment) and another corresponding to the adjustment in the mix of employee education levels (quality adjustment).FindingsThis study reveals that labor cost changes driven by the adjustment of employee education level are sticky. This stickiness cannot be explained by the standard adjustment cost theory. This further shows that firms that actively adjust their employee quality during downturns experience improved future performance. The findings are robust to alternative measures and specifications.Originality/valueThis study provides new evidence for and insights into the cost behavior literature. Previous studies treat input resources in a homogenous way and focus on the effect of capacity adjustment. This study considers the heterogeneity of resources and examines three dimensions of salary cost adjustment: capacity, structure, and unit cost. In line with the economic theory of sticky costs proposed by Banker et al. (2013a), the study’s evidence sheds light on the additional underlying economic mechanisms driving cost stickiness behavior. Specifically, managers asymmetrically adjust both employee structure and average salaries, in addition to employee number. This study also adds to the existing knowledge of the consequences of managers' actions regarding cost behavior.

An empirical study on the effect of academic engagement on academic achievement of engineering students in colleges and universities

Abstract Based on the linear regression algorithm, this paper uses the basic linear regression algorithm and the kernel linear regression algorithm to construct the relationship model between academic input and academic achievement based on linear regression and to determine the independent variables, dependent variables and control variables in the model. The engineering students of East China Normal University are selected as the research object, the research instrument is determined, the research index is determined according to the survey, and the research hypothesis is proposed, and then the research and analysis design of the impact of academic input on academic achievement is completed. Using reliability and validity to test the validity of the questionnaire, the initial data of the study can be obtained by distributing the questionnaire, and correlation analysis and regression analysis are used to carry out an empirical study of academic input and academic achievement based on linear regression. The results show that the correlation coefficient between academic input and academic achievement of master’s degree students is R=0.892 and R2=0.792, indicating that the predictive variance of academic input on academic achievement is 89.2%. The effects of the dimensions under the academic input on the social adjustment dimension under the academic achievement were, in descending order, as follows: active cooperation &gt; teacher-student interaction &gt; educational enrichment &gt; academic challenge &gt; campus support. This study comprehensively analyzes the impact of academic engagement on academic achievement, and colleges and universities should change the test of students’ ability to memorize knowledge and skills to the test of students’ ability to analyze and solve problems by applying what they have learned.

How does your cultural intelligence contribute to your adjustment? Unveiling the link between cultural intelligence and cross-cultural adjustment using meta-analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between cultural intelligence (CQ) and cross-cultural adjustment (CCA) using meta-analytic methods. The paper serves a dual purpose as it critically examines the CQ-CCA literature and provides summary effects using meta-analysis to determine how CQ and its facets affect CCA and its three dimensions.Design/methodology/approachA meta-analysis of 77 studies involving 18,399 participants was conducted to obtain the summary effects. The studies reporting the relationship of CQ and/or its facets with CCA or any of its dimensions were included in the analysis.FindingsResults revealed that CQ (overall) and all individual CQs were positively and significantly related to CCA and its three subdimensions. Although CQ (overall) had a strong effect on CCA and moderate to strong effects on all the subdimensions of CCA, the strongest effect size was measured for the relationship of motivational CQ with CCA. Not only this, when individual CQs' relationships were assessed with the individual adjustment dimensions, the motivational aspect of CQ happened to be the most influencing factor, having a close to strong effect on interaction adjustment.Research limitations/implicationsSince the study combines the results from numerous empirical research conducted over time, it avoids the limitations that an individual study has, which is carried out at a single point in time and on a limited sample.Originality/valueThis study adds to the academic research by critically reviewing the CQ-CCA literature. It also works as a guiding map for future research in the area. The study highlights the summary effects for each association between CQ and CCA and their dimensions, elucidating the mixed findings reported in previous research.

Mind your language: an empirical investigation into the role of language in Indian expatriate professionals’ adjustment abroad

Expatriates are an integral part of international human resources, enabling multinational corporations (MNCs) to implement and execute strategy. Yet, the issues related to the expatriates’ adjustment to their new environments can negatively affect the ability of MNCs to do business. As the major currency of communication, language is among the most complex issues related to adjustment in a new host country. In this study, we contribute by utilizing social learning and linguistic relativity as two key theoretical lenses to identify and examine the dimensions of expatriate adjustment. To do so, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 Indian expatriates in several countries around the world (English and non-English speaking). Our findings revealed five dimensions including (i) nuances of language (ii) role of language (iii) mechanisms to overcome language issues (iv) support and (v) expatriates’ adjustment. We analysed the data using the Gioia methodology. We discuss our findings’ theoretical and practical implications and offer suggestions for future research.

Cultural Identity and the Academic, Social, and Psychological Adjustment of Adolescents with Immigration Background

As Western societies become more ethnically and culturally diverse, understanding the acculturation of immigrant youth is essential for fostering social cohesion. How the cultural identity formation of ethnic minority adolescents relates to their academic, social, and psychological adjustment is an important and as yet unresolved research question. This study examined to what extent identifying with the heritage and/or host culture is an individual resource or risk factor for the adjustment of immigrant youth in Germany. A random sample of 15–17-year-olds (N = 1992; Mage_w1 = 15.3 years, SD = 0.64; 44.5% girls; 44.7% students with immigrant background) was assessed twice: at the end of 9th and 10th grade. Academic performance and three dimensions of social/psychological adjustment (school attachment, self-esteem, and life satisfaction) were examined. Results showed that biculturalism was the modal identification pattern. Contrary to expectations, cultural identification did not differ systematically with perceived distance from the majority culture. Multivariate structural equation modeling revealed that both heritage and host identification can be developmental resources, but that their effects are dependent on the dimension of adjustment; biculturalism only proved to be a cumulative resource for school attachment. The domain specificity of the findings challenges the generalization claims of predominant acculturation theories.

Psychosocial adaptation profiles in young and middle-aged patients with acute myocardial infarction: a latent profile analysis.

We sought to explore the latent classifications of psychosocial adaptation in young and middle-aged patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and analyse the characteristics of different profiles of AMI patients. A cross-sectional study was performed in 438 Chinese young and middle-aged patients with AMI. The investigation time was 1 month after discharge. Three different self-report instruments were distributed to the participants, including the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale. The seven dimensions of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale were then used to perform a latent profile analysis. All participants signed informed consent forms in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Finally, a total of 411 young and middle-aged AMI patients were enrolled. Three distinct profiles were identified, including the 'well-adapted group' (44.8%), 'highlight in psychological burdens group' (25.5%), and 'poorly adapted group' (29.7%). The influencing factors included stress perception, social support, occupational type, and marital status (P < 0.05). The psychosocial adaptation of young and middle-aged AMI patients can be divided into three profiles. Clinical nurses can carry out individualized psychological interventions according to the characteristics of patients in different potential profiles to improve the psychosocial adaptation of patients and the prognosis of their disease.

Socioeconomic status and school adjustment trajectories among academically at-risk students: The mediating role of parental school-based involvement

This study examined whether and how parental school-based involvement mediated the effect of early family socioeconomic status (SES) on the development of four dimensions of school adjustment, namely academic achievement, classroom engagement, teacher-student relationship, and peer relationship. Latent growth modeling and longitudinal mediation analyses were conducted with a sample of 784 academically at-risk students from Grades 1 to 5. Results revealed that higher SES predicted higher levels of each of the four dimensions of school adjustment in Grade 1, effects that were mediated by Grade 1 parental school-based involvement. SES did not predict growth in parental involvement and school adjustment outcomes. These findings highlight the negative cascading processes by which low SES predicts low parental school-based involvement in early elementary school, which heightens the developmental risks in school adjustment in both the academic and social domains in academically at-risk students.

Paths towards parenthood after repeated treatment failures: a comparative study on predictors of psychological health outcomes in infertile couples persisting in treatments or opting for adoption.

Infertility literature suggests widespread recourse to long-term medical treatments despite evidence of high stress, costs, and adverse effects of repeated treatment failures. However, there is a lack of research comparing predictors of stress and psychological health outcomes between members of infertile couples who - after repeated failures - persist in pursuing medical treatments (PT) with those who opted for quitting treatments and adopting (QTA). Basing on a transactional and multidimensional approach to infertility-related stress and health, the present study aims at exploring individual (socio-demographics; coping strategies) and situational (infertility-related parameters; infertility-related stressors; couple's dyadic adjustment dimensions) predictors of state-anxiety and depression in male and female partners of PT-infertile couples and of QTA-infertile couples. Participants were both members of 176 couples with duration of infertility and a history of medical treatments for at least 3 years (76 PT-infertile couples, 100 QTA-infertile couples). The study variables were compared by study group across genders. Structural equation models (SEM) were used to test main and moderating effects of study variables on state-anxiety and depression by study group and across genders. Members of infertile couples quitting treatments and adopting (QTA) reported significantly lower levels of state-anxiety and depression, higher stress related to need for parenthood and rejection of childfree-lifestyle and lower stress related to social and couple's relationship concerns than those who persist in pursuing medical treatments (PT). Members of infertile couples quitting treatments and adopting (QTA) recurred to a greater extent to active coping strategies (problem-solving/social-support) and to a lower extent to passive coping strategies (avoiding/turning-to-religion), and they reported higher levels of dyadic adjustment. Specificities in main and moderating factors related to state-anxiety and depression by study group and across genders were found. Findings should be addressed to provide a comprehensive assessment of both members of infertile couples facing repeated treatment failures to identify risks and resources and develop tailored evidence-based interventions.