Development and evaluation of couple-based coping strategies with infertility: a protocol for a mixed-methods study

Background: Different coping strategies have been associated with various effects on infertile couples' mental health. Considering the close interaction between couples, the present study aims to develop coping strategies for infertile couples using a couple-based approach. Methods: The present mixed-methods study will be conducted in three phases. In order to develop coping strategies, a qualitative study will be conducted in the first phase, during which semi-structured interviews will be implemented with infertile couples in order to collect data related to their lived experiences in using coping strategies. These data will be inductively analyzed using qualitative content analysis and interpretative phenomenological analysis. In the second phase, using the Delphi method, an initial draft of coping strategies will be designed using a couple-based approach based on the data obtained from the qualitative study and the related literature review. In the third phase, the designed couple-based strategies will be provided to two groups of infertile couples as a randomized field superiority trial study. The couples' levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and adjustment will be evaluated using validated questionnaires before and 3 months after the intervention. Discussion: Couple-based coping strategies encourage couples to become aware of each other's feelings while interacting and choose a strategy based on such feelings.