Abstract:

Infertile individuals frequently suffer from multidimensional psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, and stigma. These psychological disturbances not only markedly impair their quality of life and treatment compliance, but also may compromise reproductive function via neuroendocrine and inflammatory pathways, thereby adversely affecting the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Most clinical psychological interventions rely primarily on passive support and lack the structured training to strengthen the capacity of active emotional regulation. Accordingly, the efficacy in relieving psychological distress and improving ART outcomes remains limited in infertile patients. Gratitude intervention, as a vital intervention in positive psychology, exerts unique advantages by enhancing positive affect, strengthening social support, and boosting self-efficacy, while its neurobiological underpinnings are progressively being elucidated. It has exhibited promising application prospects across diverse patient groups. Although preliminary studies have indicated that gratitude interventions hold potential value in promoting psychological adjustment among infertile patients, the current evidence base remains limited. Future research is warranted to further validate its clinical efficacy and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Key words: Infertility, Emotional adjustment, Reproductive techniques, assisted, Psychology, positive, Gratitude intervention