The Crisis of Infertility: Understanding its Emotional Impact

Through the use of a questionnaire and selected interviews, this study addressed several major psychological issues regarding infertility. Specifically, as it relates to the infertility experience, these included: (1) the consideration that demographic variables impact significantly, (2) the psychological importance of gender differences, (3) the effect of medical diagnosis and treatment and (4) the possibility that there exists a well-ordered emotional continuum. Subjects were derived from the population of infertile couples ranging in age from 22 to 45 years old. Questionnaires were distributed locally through the offices of infertility specialists and at Resolve (a national infertility support group) monthly meetings. Based on questionnaire results, selected follow-up interviews were utilized to elucidate provocative findings. The goal of this study was to provide new information that would allow a greater understanding of the emotional aspects of infertility.