Objective: To determine the predictive validity of four transition variables and seven individual variables in differentiating between individual responses to infertility.
Design: Forty-three primary infertile women and 28 men attending a general infertility treatment clinic voluntarily agreed to participate in this cross-sectional study and completed five standardized instruments on a one-time-only basis.
Results: Adjustment to infertility was related to positive self-esteem, internal locus of control, higher socioeconomic status, and moderate age. High levels of anxiety and distress were related to low self-esteem, undifferentiated sex role identity, and advanced age. Actual and perceived duration of infertility were factors also related to participants' responses to infertility.
Conclusion: Results highlight the importance of psychological assessment and continuing support in the management and treatment of infertility, with concerns being raised regarding the advisability of protracted medical intervention.