Analysis of couple communication patterns as a mediator of fertility-related stress and psychological capital in women with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after embryo transfer

Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) following embryo transfer (ET) can significantly impact psychological well-being and fertility-related stress in women. To examine the associations among couple communication patterns, psychological capital, and fertility-related stress and to explore the mediating effect of communication patterns on the relationship between psychological capital and fertility-related stress in women with severe OHSS after ET in China. This research used a cross-sectional study design. This cross-sectional study included 175 women diagnosed with severe OHSS following ET, recruited from the reproductive ward of a tertiary hospital in China using convenience sampling. Participants completed validated self-administered questionnaires assessing psychological capital, fertility-related stress, and couple communication patterns. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to examine the mediating role of couple communication patterns in the relationship between psychological capital and fertility-related stress. The study was reported by the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. A combination of low levels of psychological capital and requested avoidance/complete avoidance communication patterns were associated with high levels of fertility-related stress among participants. Psychological capital was negatively correlated with fertility-related stress. The requested/completed communication had a significant positive effect on the stress, but constructive communication had no relationship with the stress. In addition, the requested avoidance communication pattern had a negative mediating effect between psychological capital and fertility-related stress in patients with severe OHSS (95% CI - 0.207, - 0.005). Couple communication patterns and psychological capital levels are significant predictors of fertility-related stress in women with severe OHSS after ET. Interventions aimed at enhancing psychological capital and addressing maladaptive communication styles may help reduce fertility-related stress. Healthcare professionals should focus on the psychological status of women with severe OHSS post-ET, facilitate effective couple communication, and raise awareness about the role of communication in mitigating emotional distress.