Correlates of psychological distress in relation to male infertility

Objectives . To investigate, within a stress and coping framework, the existence, extent and predictors of psychological distress in a sample of men with a diagnosis of sole male factor infertility. Design . A cross‐sectional design was used to investigate correlates of distress. Method . Questionnaires were sent to 130 men with a diagnosis of sole male factor infertility who were attending a specialist infertility clinic for primary infertility. Fifty‐one men responded, giving a 39 per cent response rate. In addition to completing the Beck Depression Inventory, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, Ways of Coping Questionnaire and a measure of infertility‐related distress, participants also provided data concerning their age, their partner's age, and the duration and severity of infertility. Results . There was evidence for elevated depression and state anxiety in some infertile males. Three significant predictors of depression were identified: an anxious disposition, a tendency to appraise situations as stressful and an avoidant coping style. In relation to state anxiety two predictors were identified: trait anxiety and failure to seek social support. Conclusions . Male infertility is perceived as stressful and can be associated with a greater risk of psychopathology in some cases, particularly for those men with an enduringly anxious disposition, an inability to seek social support and those who engage in avoidance coping strategies. Identification of factors predictive of distress will enable professionals to effectively direct psychological interventions to vulnerable individuals.