The Long Path to Motherhood: Personal Growth and Well-Being During Medically Assisted Reproduction

Most studies of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) primarily focus on its negative consequences for women's mental health. However, there are indications that women experience well-being and personal growth during this period as well. This study focuses on personal and social resources that contribute to women's well-being and personal growth during MAR, based on Schaefer and Moos's personal growth model. We examined the contributions of socio-demographic and fertility-related characteristics, self-mastery, emotional regulation, and the tendency for social sharing. Women (n = 175) undergoing MAR completed self-report questionnaires. The study's variables accounted for 36.6% of the variance in well-being and 34.4% in personal growth, indicating that higher self-mastery was associated with both higher well-being and personal growth. A lower tendency to suppress emotions was related to higher well-being, and a greater inclination for reappraisal and more sharing of the situation with others were associated with greater personal growth. Additionally, women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) experienced more growth compared to other MAR procedures. The findings highlight the importance of self-mastery, reappraisal, and social sharing for well-being and personal growth during MAR. They indicate that these positive consequences are distinct constructs, that deserve different intervention strategies to empower women's mental health in such circumstances.