Effect of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Psychological Distress and Pregnancy Rate in Infertile Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization.
Ramin Shiraly, Afra Khani Valizadeh, Sedigheh Amooee, Mozhgan Moghtaderi, Seyed Hesamedin Nabavizadeh, Farshad Nazaraghaie, Sara Mostafavi
Obstetrics and gynecology international 2026 DOI: 10.1155/ogi/1249143 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 133 |
| Population | Infertile women undergoing IVF |
| Intervention | Online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | In vitro fertilization Infertility Psychological distress |
| Key findings | Online MBSR reduced anxiety and showed a borderline decrease in depression, and was associated with a higher rate of ultrasound-confirmed intrauterine pregnancy. |
Abstract
This study evaluated whether an online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program could reduce psychological distress and improve pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 133 infertile women were randomized to an online MBSR intervention or a control group. The intervention included twice-weekly mindfulness sessions over 3 months. Primary outcomes were anxiety and depression, and the ultrasound-confirmed intrauterine pregnancy rate was a secondary outcome. The intervention group showed significant reductions in anxiety and a significant borderline decrease in depression compared to controls. Participation in MBSR was also associated with a higher rate of ultrasound-confirmed intrauterine pregnancy. Online MBSR may effectively reduce psychological distress in women undergoing IVF, with potential benefits for pregnancy outcomes. This study suggests that online MBSR may serve as an effective complementary approach for alleviating emotional distress and potentially enhancing pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF. Online MBSR programs appear to be a valuable tool for supporting women in managing infertility-related psychological challenges. Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20241002063238N1.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Effectiveness of mindful self-compassion therapy on psychopathology symptoms, psychological distress and life expectancy in infertile women treated with in vitro fertilization: a two-arm double-blind parallel randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry March 1, 2024
- Mindfulness improves the mental health of infertile women: A systematic review. Journal of public health research July 1, 2023
- Mindfulness and Behavior Change Harvard Review of Psychiatry November 1, 2020
- Effect of Mindfulness-Based Group Counseling on Depression in Infertile Women: Randomized Clinical Trial Study. International Journal of Fertility and Sterility February 25, 2020
and 1 more in the library