The effect of supportive counseling on self-esteem of infertile women after in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure: a randomized controlled trial study

BackgroundThe unsuccessful treatment of infertility can lead to heightened levels of negative emotions, which are often associated with various psychological consequences. These consequences may include a decrease in self-confidence, feelings of loneliness, reduced self-esteem, and even discontinuation of treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to implement interventions that can help improve these consequences for women who have experienced IVF failure. The present study aimed to examine the effect of supportive counseling on self-esteem of infertile women after IVF failure.Methodsthis randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 63 infertile women after IVF failure, referred to Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad in 2021. In the intervention group, the researcher provided individual supportive counseling sessions. These sessions took place over a span of four weeks, with each session lasting 60 min (One session every week). Data collection was conducted both before and one month after the study using Eysenck self-esteem Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS25, as well as statistical tests such as chi-square, independent t-test, Paired t-test and Mann-Whitney tests. A significance level of less than 5% was considered.ResultsThe study found no significant difference in mean scores of self-esteem between the two groups before the study (p = 0.823). However, after one month, the intervention group had significantly higher self-esteem scores (24.3 +/- 18.55) compared to the control group (21.74 +/- 5.62) (p = 0.043) Moreover, Based on the Within-group comparison, there was a 2.43 +/- 3.24 point increase in self-esteem scores of the intervention group after one month, while the control group showed a -0.33 +/- 3.72 point decrease.ConclusionSupportive counseling was found to be effective in improving self-esteem following IVF failure. As a result, it can be recommended as an effective, affordable, and low-risk counseling approach for women who have experienced IVF failure. By offering supportive counseling, it is possible to help prevent and alleviate the psychological consequences associated with IVF failure.Trial registrationThis research project was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with code IRCT20210407050883N1- Date of registration 2021-05-25.