P-460 Study on the current status and influencing factors of emotional suppression in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer
Authors: Zheng M , Li L , Li X , Wang H , Ou Y 
Published: July 2024

Study question

Exploring the Current Levels of Emotional Suppression in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer and Analyzing its Influencing Factors.

Summary answer

Factors influencing emotional suppression in infertile women: residence, treatment costs, infertility causes, miscarriage history, personality type, marital adjustment, self-pity, and medical coping.

What is known already

Emotional suppression refers to the conscious suppression of negative emotional expression and the behavior of hiding negative emotions. Emotional suppression often hides beneath a cheerful exterior and isn’t easily detected by medical professionals. If left unchecked, it can easily lead to the breakdown of a patient’s psychological defenses. Long-term emotional suppression can result in severe anxiety and depression. Clinical studies have found that couples seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment exhibit significant levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, which often indicate poor pregnancy outcomes. it’s necessary to understand the levels of emotional suppression and influencing factors in women undergoing IVF-ET.

Study design, size, duration

Cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hunan Province from May 1, 2023, to September 30, using a random sampling method to select a reproductive specialized hospital

According to Sun’s book “Medical Statistics” (2014), the sample size for a multifactorial study should be 10-20 times the number of variables. With 36 variables in this study and accounting for a 10% rate of invalid questionnaires, the required sample size was 396-792. 810 questionnaires were distributed, and 791 were collected.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Inclusion criteria: Infertility diagnosed per WHO standards; Eligible for assisted pregnancy via IVF-ET and enrolled in a cycle.

Exclusion criteria:History of mental illness or psychiatric disorders;Hearing, visual, language impairments

The surveys utilized in this study included the Emotional Suppression Scale, Locke-Wollance Marital Adjustment Questionnaire, Self-Pity Scale, and Medical Coping Style Questionnaire.

Statistical analyses, such as descriptive analysis, t-tests, analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis, were conducted using SPSS 26.

Main results and the role of chance

The average emotional suppression score of 791 women undergoing IVF-ET was 27.97±6.39. Correlation analysis indicated a negative relationship between emotional suppression and marital adaptation, self-pity, and medical coping styles, while a positive association was observed with the production dimension of medical coping styles. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that factors such as place of residence, infertility cost, infertility factors, history of miscarriage, personality type, marital adaptation, self-pity, and confrontation and yielding dimensions of medical coping styles significantly influenced emotional suppression in women. The independent variables in the regression equation explained 50.1% of the variance in emotional suppression and the equation was statistically significant. Women exhibited a moderate level of emotional suppression, with the emotional camouflage dimension scoring the highest. Healthcare professionals need to assess emotional suppression in patients and provide personalized psychological counseling interventions. Encouraging positive coping strategies, involving patients in treatment decisions, providing education, and facilitating communication with successful pregnancy cases can help patients face their condition more effectively. Mindfulness interventions and meditation can also be recommended to enhance self-compassion and acceptance. Additionally, comprehensive health education for both patients and their partners, promoting open emotional communication, and fostering mutual support can contribute to reducing emotional suppression in infertility patients.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This study is a cross-sectional survey. Future research could adopt a longitudinal design to further explore the levels of emotional suppression in women at different stages. This study only investigated women in Hunan Province, which may introduce bias. The emotional suppression levels of infertile couples across China could be investigated.

Wider implications of the findings

Medical professionals should prioritize addressing the emotional distress of introverted women residing in rural areas, who have spent over 10,000 yuan, undergone three or more abortions, and are experiencing female-factor infertility. Patients can be encouraged to adopt positive coping mechanisms by enhancing their self-compassion levels and adjusting their marital relationships.

Trial registration number

2023372