Background: Infertility-related stress is often greatest for heterosexual couples
who pursue more extensive fertility treatments as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
than other couples. Treatments can affect the development of the parent-child
relationship of couples who then decided to adopt a child. Aims: This
study was performed to demonstrate that the couples who underwent In Vitro
Fertilization (IVF) before adopting a child, could have more difficulties in
the relationship with the adopted child than the other couples. Methods: Parents were interviewed by a pediatrician and by a psychologist to collect
socio-economic, clinical and psychological information regarding their own
health and that of their children. A Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC)
model was carried out. Results: Couple conflict and previous infertility treatment are directly
related to Difficult Home Environment. High conflict couples and couples who
underwent a fertility treatment have a higher mean value for Difficult Home
Environment. Conclusions: These findings indicate that couples who
underwent IVF had a higher level of stress and more difficulty in the
development of a healthy parent-child relationship during and immediately after
adoption.
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