The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on body image in infertile women

Abstract EN

Background: Studies show that infertility can result in body image changes, which can majorly affect personality.

Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on body image in infertile women.

Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 24 infertile women, admitted to the Infertility Research and Treatment Center of Ahvaz, Iran in 2016-2017.

In the first stage, convenience sampling was applied, and the participants were allocated to 2 groups (12 patients per group), using a table of random numbers.

The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of CBT weekly, based on the 8-step program by Cash.

body-self relations questionnaire and Beck Self-Concept inventory were completed in each group before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention.

Results: After the intervention, the mean scores of body image were 156.9 3.4 and 148.7 4.8 in the experimental and control groups, respectively; the difference was significant (P = 0.025), and the effects persisted until the follow-up.

Conclusions: CBT based on the 8-step program by Cash can improve the body image of infertile women through challenging and improving their irrational beliefs about their bodies.