Dr Myriam de Senarclens Prize 2017

Johanna Czamanski-Cohen, PhD ATR, LPC (AZ), Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Israe

CB-ART: The reduction of psychological stress and its physiological correlates in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

Abstract

Objectives

The objective of the study is to conduct a RCT of CBT and art-based stress reduction (CB-ART) in women with elevated perceived levels of stress before undergoing IVF treatment. The effects of the treatment on perceived levels of stress, plasma CFD, telomere length and pregnancy rates will be examined.

Material and Methods

100 women undergoing infertility treatment and planning for IVF will be included in the study. CB-ART is a 6-session treatment protocol that has been utilised before and will be compared to treatment as usual. Pre- and post intervention and pre- and post next IVF cycle psychological and physiological markers of stress will be observed.

Results (study update, Jan. 2020)

64 of 100 participants have been recruited, the recruitment will still go on until June 2020. Patient feedbacks so far have been very positive.