Infertility psychological distress in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment: A grounded theory study

BackgroundWhile there exists an ample body of research in international contexts focused on the characterization and quantification of infertility psychological distress, the level of scholarly scrutiny directed towards this phenomenon within the context of China remains scant.Aims and ObjectivesTo investigate the formation and developmental processes of psychological distress associated with infertility and infertility treatment among women within the Chinese cultural context and to construct a theoretical framework that elucidates this phenomenon.DesignQualitative approach with grounded theory methodology.MethodsThis study was conducted within the reproductive medicine department of a tertiary-level hospital located in central China from May to August 2023. Twenty-seven women who experienced infertility and underwent assisted reproductive treatment (ART) were interviewed. The interview sessions spanned durations ranging from 20 min to 1 h and 35 min. Data analysis included open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The study is reported using the COREQ checklist.ResultsThe infertility psychological distress experienced by women undergoing ART is a socially constructed phenomenon influenced by a dynamic interplay of forces that construct and conciliate it. The formation and progression of infertility psychological distress are rooted in the process of self-construction. A Middle-Ranged Theory titled 'self-reconstruction under the dome of infertility and infertility treatment' (SUDIT theory) was developed to explain this phenomenon. Within this framework, infertility psychological distress manifests across three distinct phases under the gambling of the constructive force and conciliative force: (1) distress of disrupting the former self; (2) distress linked to the struggling present self; and (3) the renewed-self harmonized with distress.ConclusionsIt is imperative for healthcare professionals and policymakers to acknowledge the socially constructed nature of infertility psychological distress, and proactively implement measures aimed at ameliorating it.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.