Boosting psychological well-being in infertile women undergoing IVF through Fordyce happiness counseling: a quasi-experimental approach in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Infertility imposes a significant psychological burden, especially for women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies(ART). This study assessed the effectiveness of Fordyce's happiness-based counseling in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 60 women (30 intervention, 30 control) undergoing IVF in Zahedan, Iran, in 2024. Infertility clinics affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences were randomly selected, and eligible participants were recruited based on inclusion criteria. The intervention group received six weekly face-to-face counseling sessions based on Fordyce's happiness model. Psychological outcomes were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) before and four weeks post-intervention. Data were analyzed using independent t -tests, chi-square tests, and repeated measures ANOVA. Counseling significantly reduced stress (F = 181.4, p < 0.01, partial η 2 = 0.8), anxiety (F = 29.3, p < 0.01, partial η 2 = 0.3), and depression (F = 125.1, p < 0.01, partial η 2 = 0.8). Post-intervention mean scores in the intervention group decreased for stress (18.5 ± 2.9), anxiety (17.6 ± 2.3), and depression (21.5 ± 5.7) compared with control scores (26.6 ± 5.1; 24.8 ± 1.9; 24.8 ± 5.1). Fordyce's happiness-based counseling is an effective, low-cost, culturally adaptable intervention to alleviate psychological distress in women undergoing ART. Integrating it into infertility care programs may enhance emotional well-being, particularly in resource-limited settings. • The program significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. • Participants in the intervention group reported improved psychological well-being. • Fordyce's happiness counseling proved effective, low-cost, and culturally adaptable. • Findings support integrating happiness-based counseling into infertility care services