Cognitive Coping, Goal Adjustment, and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in People Undergoing Infertility Treatment A Prospective Study

Kraaij, V.; Garnefski, N.; Schroevers, M.J.; Weijmer, J.; Helmerhorst, F. (2010)

Article / Letter to editor

The relationships between cognitive coping strategies, goal adjustment, and symptoms of depression and anxiety were studied in people with fertility problems. Both cross-sectional and prospective relationships were studied in a sample of 313 patients attending an infertility clinic. Self-report questionnaires were filled out at home. Positive refocusing, rumination and catastrophizing, and goal reengagement were related to symptoms of depression and anxiety. When looking at the long-term effects, rumination and catastrophizing were also related to emotional problems nine months later. These findings suggest that intervention programs should focus on cognitive coping strategies and goal-based processes.

• anxiety coping depression goals infertility hiv-infected men in-vitro fertilization behavioral stress-management emotion regulation psychological distress myocardial-infarction fertility treatment hospital anxiety self-regulation negative affect

• All authors: Kraaij, V.; Garnefski, N.; Schroevers, M.J.; Weijmer, J.; Helmerhorst, F.
• Date: 2010-09-30
• Journal: Journal of Health Psychology
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 876 - 886
• DOI: doi:10.1177/1359105309357251