Dyadic Coping in Couples Experiencing Infertility and Perinatal Mental Health Difficulties

Samuel, Rebecca Sian (2025) Dyadic Coping in Couples Experiencing Infertility and Perinatal Mental Health Difficulties. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Difficulties experienced across stages of reproductive health have been associated with negative psychological outcomes for individuals and couples. Research has found the importance of dyadic coping strategies to these outcomes. Despite these findings, research and clinical practice has predominantly focused on individualised models of coping and support. This thesis portfolio aimed to provide further understanding of interdependent coping processes engaged in by couples in response to stressors related to reproductive health. It aimed to consider the influence of wider surrounding systems and contextual factors. A life stages approach is also utilised to consider the additional challenges that difficulties with reproductive health may present to psychosocial development.

A systematic review and a qualitative research study were conducted to explore the factors influencing dyadic coping in infertile couples and the experiences of dyadic coping and support for couples managing perinatal mental health difficulties.

The review found initial evidence of a range of psychological, couple and social level factors associated with coping within infertile couples. Through joint dyadic interviews it was found that couples engage in dyadic coping strategies to support adaption to stress related to interconnected experiences of parenting and perinatal mental health difficulties. This study also found the importance of engagement with wider systems of personal and professional support.

Overall, these findings suggest the importance of moving beyond individualised support to consider the needs of both members of couples coping with difficulties experienced in reproductive health. They also suggest the need for further research to understand the complexities of adapting established support structures to the couple level and the impact of biopsychosocial factors on coping within these populations. This portfolio also proposes further directions of research to support development of higher quality of evidence, and clinical best practice, within the field of reproductive health and coping.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	29 Oct 2025 14:03
Last Modified:	29 Oct 2025 14:03
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100834
DOI:

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