The effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy on mental health and quality of life among infertile couples: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: Infertility by creating a disturbing and debilitating condition is considered as an important individual, public, and social health problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on mental health and quality of life in infertile couples.

METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 54 infertile couples referring to the Sanandaj-Iran Infertility Clinic were assigned into two groups of counseling and control by random blocking with a 1:1 ratio. The consulting group received 8 weekly 90-min sessions of group counseling based on ACT. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and Fertility Quality of Life were completed before and 1 month after the completion of the intervention. Primary outcome measures were mean score of mental health and quality of fertility life. Independent t-test, ANCOVA, and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to analyze data.

RESULTS: There was no significant intergroup difference in demographic information (P > 0.05). One month after the end of the intervention, the mean overall mental health score in the couples of the counseling group was significantly less than the control group (adjusted mean difference [aMD]: −8.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −10.4–−6.4; P< 0.001). Furthermore, the mean overall score of quality of life in the counseling group couples was significantly more than the control group (aMD: 14.8; 95% CI: 11.8–17.9; P< 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Based on the effectiveness of counseling based on ACT on mental health and quality of life in infertile couples, it can be used in the infertility clinics. Health-care providers and counselors should train in the ACT courses to improve the mental health and quality of life of infertile couples.