Latent Profile Analysis and Predictors of Positive Psychological Capital in Patients Undergoing in vitro...

To explore the classification characteristics of positive psychological capital in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and to analyze the differences in characteristics of different categories of positive psychological capital in women undergoing IVF-ET.

A total of 602 patients undergoing IVF-ET were selected using convenience sampling from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology at a tertiary Grade A obstetrics and gynecology hospital in mainland China between July 2025 and November 2025. On the day of embryo transfer, a general demographic questionnaire, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PPQ) were administered. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to explore the potential classes of positive psychological capital in patients undergoing IVF-ET, and univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to identify the factors associated with these latent profiles.

The positive psychological capital of IVF-ET patients could be categorized into three latent classes: the low psychological capital group (21.6%), the moderate psychological capital group (45.7%), and the high psychological capital group (32.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that age < 35 years (OR = 0.534, 95% CI: [0.316, 0.902], P < 0.05) and psychological distress (OR = 0.942, 95% CI: [0.911, 0.975], P < 0.05) were independent predictors of belonging to Class 2 compared to Class 1. Similarly, for Class 3 vs. Class 1, age < 35 years (OR = 0.361, 95% CI: [0.205, 0.637], P < 0.05) and psychological distress (OR = 0.857, 95% CI: [0.819, 0.897], P < 0.05) were significant predictors. Specifically, younger age (< 35 years) and higher psychological distress positively predicted the likelihood of being in the reference class (Class 1), indicating they are risk factors for lower positive psychological capital.

The positive psychological capital of IVF-ET patients can be categorized into three latent profiles. Clinical healthcare professionals should pay particular attention to patients who are younger (< 35 years) and experience higher levels of psychological distress, as they are more likely to exhibit lower levels of positive psychological capital. Tailored psychological screening and supportive strategies are recommended for these specific subgroups to potentially mitigate their psychological burden.