None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in reducing infertility-related distress in women undergoing infertility treatments. The research will compare the emotional and psychological outcomes of women receiving EMDR therapy with those on a waitlist control group. It is hypothesised there will be differences between the groups in terms of distress, anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, psychological well-being, and coping strategies. Participants will be assessed before, after, and three months post-treatment. The study hopes to provide insights into how EMDR can help women cope with the emotional challenges of infertility.
Interventions
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Description of the Intervention:
EMDR is a structured therapy that incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy with bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of guided eye movements.
Procedures and Activities:
Therapeutic Procedures: EMDR therapy will consist of the standard eight-phase approach, including:
History Taking: Understanding participants’ backgrounds, infertility experiences, and distress levels.
Preparation:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Description of the Intervention: EMDR is a structured therapy that incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy with bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of guided eye movements. Procedures and Activities: Therapeutic Procedures: EMDR therapy will consist of the standard eight-phase approach, including: History Taking: Understanding participants’ backgrounds, infertility experiences, and distress levels. Preparation: Educating participants about EMDR and establishing a safe environment. Assessment: Identifying target memories related to infertility distress and determining negative beliefs. Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories associated with infertility. Installation: Reinforcing positive beliefs and cognitive restructuring. Body Scan: Identifying and processing any physical tension related to the memories. Closure: Ensuring participants feel grounded and safe at the end of each session. Re-evaluation: Assessing progress and the effectiveness of the therapy in subsequent sessions. Intervention Delivery: Providers: The intervention will be delivered by a qualified psychologist trained in EMDR. Mode of Delivery: The therapy will be provided face-to-face in a private and comfortable clinical setting to foster a safe therapeutic environment. The intervention will be provided in a one-on-one setting. Number of Sessions and Duration: Session Schedule: Participants will attend a total of 6 sessions, each lasting 60-90 minutes. Frequency: Sessions will occur once a week over a period of 6 weeks.
Sponsors
RMIT University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
To be eligible for participation, women must be 18 years and over in age and have no history of live births or biological children, whether through natural conception or assisted reproductive technologies (ART). To be eligible, women must self-identify as proficient in English, indicating that they can understand both verbal and written materials in the language. Women engaged in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are eligible, but those involved with other forms of ART will not be included. All participants must agree to random assignment to either the immediate treatment or waitlist control group and comply with the study timeline, including attending therapy sessions and completing follow-up assessments.
Exclusion criteria
Women will be excluded from the study if they have previously received EMDR therapy for infertility-related distress, as this ensures accurate assessment of the intervention's efficacy. Additionally, women who are currently pregnant, have given birth to a biological child, or are raising children through adoption or surrogacy will not be eligible. Participants must experience significant emotional distress related to infertility, measured by the Infertility Distress Scale and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Those scoring less than 20 on either scale will be excluded. Women currently undergoing psychological treatment (outside of service mandated 1-2 sessions of ART counselling) for infertility-related distress or other reproductive health issues, or who are within the first three months of fertility treatments with a service are not eligible. Participants who screen positive via clinical interview for severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), current suicidal ideation, or a history of suicide attempts within the past 12 months will be excluded for safety reasons. Women with active substance use disorders, unmanaged medical conditions, or cognitive impairments that hinder participation will also be excluded. Non-proficiency in English and an unwillingness or inability to comply with study protocols, including random assignment and commencement of therapy sessions, will result in exclusion.
Outcome results
None listed