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Review
. 2022 Mar;21(1):47-63.
doi: 10.5114/pm.2022.114404. Epub 2022 Mar 9.

Psychological variables in medically assisted reproduction: a systematic review

Sofia Burgio  1 , Concetta Polizzi  1 , Giovanni Buzzaccarini  2 , Antonio Simone Laganà  3 , Giuseppe Gullo  4 , Giovanna Perricone  1 , Antonino Perino  5 , Gaspare Cucinella  5 , Marianna Alesi  1
Affiliations
Review

Psychological variables in medically assisted reproduction: a systematic review

Sofia Burgio et al. Prz Menopauzalny. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: The paths of medically assisted reproduction represent the most important scientific progress to cope with the inability to achieve spontaneous conception (SC) and to reach desired parenthood. Couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and couples not facing ovulation induction and artificial fertilization show sufficient levels of well-being and psychological adjustment. However, in some cases couples undergoing ART show lower perceived quality of life than couples with SC.Our aim is to investigate the main psychological variables involved in the special risk condition of medically assisted reproduction and how they could direct specific guidelines to enhance mental wellbeing in dealing with infertility.

Material and methods: In this regard, we performed a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. From all the studies included, the considered outcome measures were psychological, social, and relational variables and are presented in a systematic approach.

Results: A total of 14 studies were included in this article, according to our strict inclusion criteria.

Conclusions: Conflicting results have been proven by this systematic review. Even though all underlined the importance of taking charge of the psychological variables in infertility, few studies monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of these interventions. Moreover, none of the selected studies monitored the evolutionary implications of parental competence on the development of children born from ART.

Keywords: ART; developmental psychology; medically assisted reproduction; psychological wellbeing; quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The quality of assessment checklist
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
PRISMA flow chart for the selection of papers to be included in the review
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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