Parental Infertility: Impact of the Quality of the Relation between Parents and Adopted Children

Abstract

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.