ART fathers had similar PSI scores to SC fathers in Colpin
et al.’s (1999) study, but Baor et al. (2004) detected more parenting
stress in fathers of ART than SC twins.
Halman et al. (1995) used the post-partum self-evaluation questionnaire
(Lederman et al., 1981) and found no differences
between PI mothers (ART rates were not reported) and SC
mothers in early adaptation to motherhood. Similarly, Hjelmstedt
et al. (2004) found no differences between ART and SC mothers
or fathers using the Swedish parenthood stress questionnaire
(SPSQ) (O¨ stberg et al., 1997) 2 and 6 months post-partum,
but when interviewed, ART couples reported that negative
infertility-related feelings persisted.