Effect of mindfulness-based cognitive infertility stress therapy on psychological well-being of women with infertility
Tahere Rahmani Fard, Mohammad Kalantarkousheh, Mahbobeh Faramarzi
Middle East Fertility Society Journal June 28, 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2018.06.001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | Infertile women referred to the Fatemeh Zahra Infertility Research Center in Babol, Iran |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive infertility stress therapy (MBCIST) |
| Duration | Eight group sessions of 120 minutes each week |
| Measures | Ryff's Well-Being Questionnaire |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 49 |
| Key findings | MBCIST improved psychological well-being and all six subscales (self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, personal growth) in infertile women, while the control groups showed no significant change from pre-treatment to post-treatment. The authors conclude MBCIST is an efficient method for improving psychological well-being in this population. |
Abstract
Infertility is a critical major life problem that has deleterious effects on the psychological well-being of infertile women. Infertile women experience greater stress in their life compared to fertile women and have a lower quality of life. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive infertility stress therapy (MBCIST) for the promotion of the psychological well-being of women with infertility. In a clinical trial, 60 infertile women who were referred to the Fatemeh Zahra Infertility Research Center of the city of Babol were randomly assigned to four groups (15 persons in an experimental group with a pre-test, 15 persons in an experimental group without a pre-test, 15 persons in a control group with a pre-test, and 15 persons in a control group without a pre-test). The 30 participants of the experimental groups received MBCIST in eight group sessions (120 min each week). The control group received no intervention. Thirty participants completed Ryff’s Well-Being Questionnaire at the beginning of the study and all 60 participants completed the questionnaire at the end of the study. The results showed that MBCIST improves the psychological well-being of infertile women, including their self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth. There was no significant difference in psychological well-being or all six of the subscales from pre-treatment to post-treatment in the two control groups. The findings demonstrate that MBCIST is an efficient method for improving the psychological well-being of women referred to infertility clinics.
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
Cited by 8
- Application of Mindfulness-Based Psychological Interventions in Infertility. J Hum Reprod Sci 2020
- Mindfulness Intervention for Improving Psychological Wellbeing Among Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2023
- Mindfulness improves the mental health of infertile women: A systematic review. Journal of public health research July 1, 2023
- Effectiveness of Psychological Capital and Mindfulness Training in Improving Quality of Life Annals of Military and Health Sciences Research November 23, 2022
- Mindfulness-based counseling for sexual relational concern in infertile women: A clinical trial protocol Journal of Education and Health Promotion May 1, 2026
and 3 more in the library
Cites 8
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Stress Reduction through Mindfulness Meditation Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics February 18, 2010
- Teaching mindfulness to psychotherapists in clinical practice: The Mindful Therapy Programme Counselling and Psychotherapy Research August 31, 2010
- The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Depression and Anxiety in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome Depression Research and Treatment 2016
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Group Therapy on Marital Satisfaction and General Health in Woman With Infertility. Global Journal of Health Science August 6, 2015
and 3 more in the library