Infertility-related stress and attachment styles as predictors of fertility readiness in women undergoing infertility treatment.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to identify the predictors of fertility readiness, specifically examining the roles of infertility-related stress and attachment styles in women undergoing infertility treatment.

Methods: This study used a descriptive and cross-sectional design. It was conducted with 316 women who sought treatment at the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Center at Adana City Hospital, located in Adana Province, Turkey, between April 2024 and September 2024. Data were collected through the "Personal Information Form," the "Fertility Problem Stress Scale," the "Relationship Scales Questionnaire," and the "Fertility Preparedness Scale for Women Receiving Fertility Treatment".

Results: The participants' Fertility Preparedness Scale total mean score was 89.88 ± 13.34. A negative, low-level, and significant relationship was found between fertility preparedness and personal stress domain score (p < 0.05). A negative and significant relationship was also found between the prepared body and brain and the social stress domain score (p < 0.05). Regression analysis, including all stress domain and attachment subscale scores, explained 4.6% of the variance in readiness for fertility (R²adjusted = 0.046, p < 0.001); within this model, increased personal stress and increased preoccupied attachment emerged as the only statistically significant individual predictors (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study suggested that women may feel more ready for fertility as their personal stress decreases and their preoccupied attachment levels decline.