The Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Program on Stress, Salivary Cortisol Levels, Marital Relationships, and the Incidence of Successful Pregnancy in Infertile Couples Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Chalermsri Kerdmakmee, Puangpaka Kongvattananon, Mary T Quinn Griffin
Mindfulness May 14, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-026-02858-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 75 |
| Population | Infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based program |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | A mindfulness-based program significantly improved stress and marital relationships over time in infertile women and their spouses, with large effect sizes (e.g., η² = 0.76 and 0.75 for time effects). Salivary cortisol and rates of successful pregnancy also differed significantly between groups. The authors conclude the program can reduce stress, enhance marital relationships, and improve successful pregnancy. |
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program on stress, salivary cortisol levels, marital relationships, and the incidence of successful pregnancy in infertile couples undergoing Assisted Reproductive Treatment. A randomized-controlled trial parallel design with two groups and repeated measures. Seventy-five infertile couples were randomly assigned into the control group ( n = 37) and the experimental group ( n = 38) receiving a mindfulness-based program. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), independent t -test, and chi-square test were used in data analysis. Stress and marital relationships of infertile women and their spouses in the experimental and control groups were statistically significant differences over time ( p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.76; p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.75, respectively). At time 4, the infertile women and their spouses in the experimental group showed statistically significant differences in at least one pair in stress ( p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.87; p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.85, respectively) and marital relationships ( p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.85; p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.80, respectively). The salivary cortisol levels in the infertile women were statistically significant differences ( p < 0.05). Finally, the rates of successful pregnancy in the infertile women were also statistically significant differences ( p < 0.05). The mindfulness-based program can reduce stress and enhance marital relationship in infertile couples. This program can enhance successful pregnancy in infertile couple. Thai Clinical Trials Registry, TCTR ID: TCTR 20221014004.
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 5
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- Neural correlates of a mindfulness-based intervention in anorexia nervosa. BJPsych Open February 2, 2023
- Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction on depression, anxiety, and stress of women with the early loss of pregnancy in southeast Iran: a randomized control trial. Reproductive health December 29, 2022
- Mindfulness Training Improves Cognition and Strengthens Intrinsic Connectivity Between the Hippocampus and Posteromedial Cortex in Healthy Older Adults. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience August 27, 2021
- A structured literature review on the role of mindfulness, mindful eating and intuitive eating in changing eating behaviours: effectiveness and associated potential mechanisms Nutrition research reviews July 18, 2017