Perceived infertility-related stress, partner attachment, and psychological distress among women undergoing in-vitro fertilization treatment: a latent profile and mediation analysis

Abstract

Background: The heterogeneity of infertility-related stress and its psychological impact among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to identify distinct stress profiles and examine the mediating role of partner attachment in the link between stress profiles and psychological distress. Methods: A total of 312 infertile women undergoing IVF treatment were enrolled in this cross-sectional survey. Perceived infertility-related stress, partner attachment, and psychological distress was assessed using the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility Fertility Problem Stress Scale, Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct infertility stress profiles. Mediation analysis was performed to explore the role of partner attachment in the relationship between perceived infertility stress profiles and psychological distress. Results: Latent profile analysis on three infertility stress dimensions (personal stress, marital stress, and social stress) indicated three profiles: high-stress profile (7%), moderate-stress profile (54%), low-stress profile (39%). Multi-categorical mediation analysis showed that both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidant partially mediated effect in the connection of high-stress profile and psychological distress (B = 1.9310, 95%CI = 0.8122, 3.2378; B = 0.9635, 95%CI = 0.2682, 1.8954), whereas it fully mediated effect in the moderate-stress profile and psychological distress (B = 0.8928, 95%CI = 0.4124, 1.4401; B = 0.6230, 95%CI = 0.1874, 1.1291). Conclusion: This study identified heterogeneity in the infertility-related stress patterns of women undergoing IVF treatment and explored the associations between perceived infertility stress profiles and psychological distress using a person-centered approach. These findings offer preliminary insights suggesting that attachment-oriented interventions may be helpful in supporting this vulnerable population.