İnfertilite Yaşayan Kadınlara Yönelik EMDR Odaklı Grupla Psikolojik Danışmanın Etkililiği

Abstract

This study primarily aimed to identify the challenges faced by women experiencing infertility, their psychological counseling needs, and the factors that facilitate coping with these difficulties. To achieve this, a qualitative study was conducted with women experiencing infertility. The secondary aim of the study was to examine the impact of an EMDR-focused group psychological counseling program on perceived stress, stigma, gender role stress, and self-esteem among women experiencing infertility. For this purpose, a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up test control groups was employed. Qualitative data were collected from 8 women experiencing infertility, while the quantitative study was completed with 14 participants, comprising 7 in the experimental group and 7 in the control group. For qualitative data collection, a personal information form and a semi-structured interview form were used. Data related to the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up test were gathered using the Infertility Stress Scale, the Infertility Stigma Scale, the Women’s Gender Role Stress Scale, and the Two-Dimensional Self-Esteem Scale. The results of the qualitative study revealed that women experiencing infertility face numerous psychological and social challenges, and psychological counseling and social support are crucial during the diagnosis and treatment process. According to the quantitative findings, women who participated in the EMDR-focused group psychological counseling program reported lower levels of infertility stress, perceived stigma, and gender role stress, as well as higher levels of self-esteem compared to the control group. In the final section of the study, observations and comments from the practitioner regarding the changes demonstrated by participants in the experimental group throughout the process, as well as statements from the participants themselves, were included.