Efficacy evaluation of an affectionate touch-based psychological intervention program for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer patients: A controlled trial

Table 9 Summary of statistically significant outcomes

Outcome measure	Measurement	Gender	Key finding (intervention vs control)	Statistical significance (interaction)	Clinical/practical implication
Marital relationship	Communication	Male	Significant improvement in communication scores over time relative to control	β = 1.85, P = 0.014	Improved verbal/non-verbal exchange
	Communication	Female	Significant improvement in communication scores	β= 2.11, P = 0.022	Enhanced emotional expression
	Affection	Female	Significant increase in affection scores	β = 2.20, P = 0.011	Stronger emotional bonding
	Total score	Both	Significant improvement in overall relationship quality	Male: P = 0.003; female: P = 0.012	Better dyadic adjustment during IVF
Mental health	Anxiety	Male	Significant reduction in anxiety symptoms	β = -1.73, P = 0.030	Reduced treatment-related arousal
	Stress	Both	Significant reduction in stress levels	Male: P = 0.025; female: P = 0.029	Effective stress buffering
Reproductive	Sperm progressive motility	Male	Significant increase in progressive motility at week 3 and week 4	Week 3: P < 0.001; week 4: P = 0.042	Improved functional semen quality

IVF: In vitro fertilization.