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Sadeghi, M., Farajkhoda, T., Khanabadi, M., & Eftekhar, M. (2021). PERMA model vs. integrative-behavioral couple therapy for fertility problems: A randomized clinical trial protocol. International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine (IJRM), 19(12), 1105-1116. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v19i12.10061

https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v19i12.10061

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authors

  • Mahsa Sadeghi

    Mahsa Sadeghi

    Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
  • Tahmineh Farajkhoda

    Tahmineh Farajkhoda

    Research Center for Nursing and Midwifery Care, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
  • Mahdi Khanabadi

    Mahdi Khanabadi

    Department of Counseling, Allameh Tabataba'i Univercity, Tehran, Iran.
  • Maryam Eftekhar

    Maryam Eftekhar

    Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

Published Date

  • Dec 28, 2021

PERMA model vs. integrative-behavioral couple therapy for fertility problems: A randomized clinical trial protocol

International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine (IJRM) / International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine (IJRM): Volume 19, Issue No. 12 / Pages 1105-1116

Abstract

Background: Psychological interventions may reduce fertility problems. Positive emotion, engagement, meaning, positive relationship and accomplishment (PERMA) is a cognitive intervention and integrative-behavioral couple therapy (IBCT) is a behavioral intervention. Appropriate mental interventions are important in infertility treatment.


Objective: To investigate the effect of the PERMA model vs. IBCT in reducing the fertility problems of couples.


Materials and Methods: The content of the interventions was developed and adjusted based on a literature review and the opinions of experts. In this three-arm parallel randomized clinical trial, 42 couples undergoing infertility treatment will be allocated randomly into three groups (n = 14 couples/each). Group 1 will receive the PERMA intervention, group 2 will receive the IBCT intervention, and group 3 as the control group will receive an infertility treatment training program intervention. The primary outcome will be the fertility problems, which will be measured by completing a fertility problem inventory at baseline, as well as in the 5th and 9th wk as a follow-up. Another primary outcome, satisfaction with the intervention, will also be assessed in the 5th and 9th wk. The secondry outcome will be a positive pregnancy test at wk 12. The interventions will be conducted through a combination of face-to-face and online via WhatsApp.


Conclusion: This study will assess social, sexual, and parenthood concerns. A combination of online and face-to-face interventions will be appropriate given the COVID-19 pandemic. Couple’s counseling may provide better counseling outcomes for fertility problems in comparison with group counseling. This study will try to optimize resilience during infertility treatment through learning better relationship and problem-solving skills, and may have an indirect impact on pregnancy rate, burden of infertility, and costs of treatment due to increased effectiveness.


Key words: Online, Face-to-face, Infertility, Integrative-behavioral couple therapy, PERMA model, RCT, Positive psychology, Protocol study, COVID-19.

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