Third wave psychological therapy and infertility: A systematic review

Objective Infertility is a widespread and serious health issue recognized globally by the World Health Organization. Defined as the inability to achieve a successful pregnancy after a year of unprotected intercourse, this condition affects over 186 million individuals worldwide. Infertility imposes significant social and psychological burdens on couples. Due to the profound psychological impact of infertility, various psychological therapies have been employed to enhance the mental well-being of affected couples. This study aims to comprehensively explore third-wave psychological treatments for infertility. Method A systematic search was conducted across online databases, with the goal of identifying pertinent publications up to September 2023. No restrictions were placed on the timeframe or language of the publications. Results The examination revealed eight distinct third-wave psychological treatments for infertility, including Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Conclusions Insights gleaned from the reviewed studies indicate that third-wave psychological treatments present a promising avenue for addressing psychological disorders associated with infertility, potentially offering a novel approach to enhance the overall well-being of individuals and couples grappling with fertility challenges.