Self-reported effects of perceived social support on marital quality in balanced translocation patients and their spouses undergoing preimplantation genetic testing in China: actor–partner interdependence model

This study aimed to analyse the relationship between perceived social support and marital quality in balanced translocation patients and their spouses undergoing a preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) treatment cycle in China. The authors assessed the actor and partner effects of perceived social support on marital quality in patient–spouse dyads using a dyadic analysis approach. In total, 59 couples were assessed using self-report questionnaires for marital quality and perceived social support. There were significant differences in marital quality between patients and their spouses (<i>p</i>=.0025) based on the APIM (actor–partner interdependence model) analyses. The perceived social support of both patients (<i>p</i>=.0076) and spouses (<i>p</i>&lt;.001) had a significant effect on individual marital quality for actor effects. Partner effects showed that patients’ perceived social support had a significant effect on spouses’ marital quality (<i>p</i>=.0156) and the spouses’ perceived social support had a significant effect on patients’ marital quality (<i>p</i>=.0084). The findings indicate that the level of perceived social support affected both his/her own marital quality and that of his/her spouse.Impact Statement<b>What is already known on this subject?</b> Infertility and reproductive treatments affect both partners, that is, the couple as a unit and have a negative impact on an individual’s marital satisfaction and social relationships.<b>What do the results of this study add?</b> There are significant differences in marital quality between balanced translocation patients and their spouses. Perceived social support significantly correlated with marital quality in both the actor and partner effects.<b>What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research?</b> Health professionals should provide couple-based interventions involving both patients and spouses throughout the PGT treatment to improve perceived social support, thereby improving their marital quality. <b>What is already known on this subject?</b> Infertility and reproductive treatments affect both partners, that is, the couple as a unit and have a negative impact on an individual’s marital satisfaction and social relationships. <b>What do the results of this study add?</b> There are significant differences in marital quality between balanced translocation patients and their spouses. Perceived social support significantly correlated with marital quality in both the actor and partner effects. <b>What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research?</b> Health professionals should provide couple-based interventions involving both patients and spouses throughout the PGT treatment to improve perceived social support, thereby improving their marital quality.