![Sofia Gameiro](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/2983?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Overview
My research explores how people form, define and strive to realize parenthood goals. With a strong applied component, most of my work aims to support people in all steps of achieving their parenthood goals or, when this proves impossible, in coming to terms with unrealized parenthood goals. I do this by conducting studies to inform evidence-based routine practice and policy, and by developing, evaluating and implementing tools to support both those trying to conceive and stakeholders involved in reproductive health (practitioners, advocates, policy makers). Another important aim of my work is to make psychosocial support more accessible and suitable to disadvantaged groups (e.g., ethnic minorities, people with invisible diseases) or people outside the healthcare system.
Most of my work is grounded in health, clinical and developmental psychology and I am interested in different topics such as long-term adjustment to adverse health events, evidence-based health psychology, parenthood motivational regulation, or visual communication of health-related experiences.
My research has been funded through research councils, industrial partners and medical charities in the UK and abroad.
See the research tab above for more information about research projects and outputs.
| These are some of the support tools and evidence-based guidance I have co-developed: |
| www.drawingout.org |
| www.myjourney.pt |
| https://www.eshre.eu/Guidelines-and-Legal/Guidelines/Psychosocial-care-guideline |
Publication
2024
- Carolino, N., Cunha, M., Pinto-Gouveia, J., Gameiro, S. and Galhardo, A. 2024. KindMap: an e-mental health tool to promote the well-being and mental health of people facing infertility—study protocol for a feasibility randomised control trial. BMJ Open 14(12), article number: e087447. (10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087447)
- Murphy, A. et al. 2024. Comparison of embryologist stress, somatization and burnout reported by embryologists working in UK HFEA-licensed ART/IVF clinics and US ART/IVF clinics. Human Reproduction 39(10), pp. 2297–2304. (10.1093/humrep/deae191)
- Gameiro, S., Leone, D. and Mertes, H. 2024. Fertility clinics have a duty of care toward patients who do not have children with treatment. Human Reproduction 39(8), pp. 1591-1598., article number: deae128. (10.1093/humrep/deae128)
- Gameiro, S., Adcock, E., Graterol Munoz, C., O'Hanrahan, M., D'Angelo, A. and Boivin, J. 2024. What is bad news in fertility care? A qualitative analysis of staff and patients’ accounts of bad and challenging news in fertility care. Human Reproduction 39(1), pp. 139-146. (10.1093/humrep/dead231)
2023
- Murphy, A. et al. 2023. Comparison of embryologist stress, fatigue, and burnout currently reported by U.K. And U.S. Embryologists. Fertility and Sterility 120(4 Supp), article number: e265. (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.08.779)
- Sousa-Leite, M., Costa, R., Figueiredo, B. and Gameiro, S. 2023. Discussing the possibility of fertility treatment being unsuccessful as part of routine care offered at clinics: patients’ experiences, willingness, and preferences. Human Reproduction 38(7), pp. 1332-1344. (10.1093/humrep/dead096)
- Skedgel, C. et al. 2023. Unmet parenthood goals, health-related quality-of-life and apparent irrationality: understanding the value of treatments for infertility. PharmacoEconomics - Open 7, pp. 337-344. (10.1007/s41669-023-00402-5)
- Harrison, C., Gameiro, S. and Boivin, J. 2023. Qualitative evaluation of the acceptability and feasibility among health care professionals and patients of an ART multi-cycle treatment planning and continuation intervention prototype. Human Reproduction 38(3), pp. 430-443. (10.1093/humrep/deac272)
- Gameiro, S., Armstrong, K., Carluke, N., Baccino, G., Zegers-Hochschild, F. and Boivin, J. 2023. COVID-19 related uncertainty: Fertility staff experiences of its sources, processing, responses, and consequences. Human Reproduction 38(2), pp. 247-255. (10.1093/humrep/deac262)
2022
- Sousa‐Leite, M., Fernandes, M., Reis, S., Costa, R., Figueiredo, B. and Gameiro, S. 2022. Feasibility and acceptability of psychosocial care for unsuccessful fertility treatment. Health Expectations 25(6), pp. 2902-2913. (10.1111/hex.13598)
- Rowbottom, B., Galhardo, A., Donovan, E. and Gameiro, S. 2022. Feasibility randomized controlled trial of a self-guided online intervention to promote psychosocial adjustment to unmet parenthood goals. Human Reproduction 37(10), pp. 2412-2425. (10.1093/humrep/deac168)
- Bliesemann de Guevara, B., El Refaie, E., Furnari, E., Gameiro, S., Julian, R. and Payson, A. 2022. Drawing out experiential conflict knowledge in Myanmar: arts-based methods in qualitative research with conflict-affected communities. Journal of Peacebuilding and Development 17(1), pp. 22-41. (10.1177/15423166211015971)
- Harrison, C., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2022. Talking about possible IVF/ICSI failure and need for multiple cycles in treatment planning: qualitative investigation of multi-cycle planning and its acceptability to patients and staff. Human Reproduction 37(3), pp. 488-498., article number: deab278. (10.1093/humrep/deab278)
2021
- Gameiro, S. 2021. It is beneficial to support young, good prognosis patients, who strongly desire a biological child, through multiple cycles of treatment. Fertility and Sterility 116(1), pp. 67-68.
- Harrison, C., Gameiro, S. and Boivin, J. 2021. Patient willingness, preferences and decision making about planning for three complete cycles of IVF/ICSI treatment. Human Reproduction 36(5), pp. 1339-1352. (10.1093/humrep/deab040)
2020
- Boivin, J., Harrison, C., Mathur, R., Burns, G., Pericleous-Smith, A. and Gameiro, S. 2020. Patient experiences of fertility clinic closure during the COVID-19 pandemic: appraisals, coping and emotions. Human Reproduction 35(11), pp. 2556-2566. (10.1093/humrep/deaa218)
- Gameiro, S. 2020. Straight out of the womb: the psychosocial implications of uterine transplant. Fertility and Sterility 114(2), pp. 285-286. (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.04.060)
- El Refaie, E., Payson, A., Bliesemann de Guevara, B. and Gameiro, S. 2020. Pictorial and spatial metaphor in the drawings of a culturally diverse group of women with fertility problems. Visual Communication 19(2), pp. 257-280. (10.1177/1470357218784622)
- Da Silva, S., Marie, P., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2020. Failure after fertility treatment: Regulation strategies when facing a blocked parenthood goal. Human Fertility 23(3), pp. 179-185. (10.1080/14647273.2018.1510186)
2019
- Sousa-Leite, M., Figueiredo, B., ter Keurst, A., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2019. Women's attitudes and beliefs about using fertility preservation to prevent age-related fertility decline - a two-year follow-up. Patient Education and Counseling 102(9), pp. 1695-1702. (10.1016/j.pec.2019.03.019)
- Gameiro, S., El Refaie, E., Bliesemann de Guevara, B. and Payson, A. 2019. Women from diverse minority ethnic or religious backgrounds desire more infertility education and more culturally and personally sensitive fertility care. Human Reproduction 34(9), pp. 1735-1745. (10.1093/humrep/dez156)
- Gameiro, S., Sousa Leite, M. and Verneulen, N. 2019. Dissemination, implementation and impact of the ESHRE evidence-based guidelines. Human Reproduction Open 2019(3), article number: hoz011. (10.1093/hropen/hoz011)
2018
- Gameiro, S., Bliesemann de Guevara, B., El Refaie, E. and Payson, A. 2018. DrawingOut - an innovative drawing workshop method to support the generation and dissemination of research findings. PLoS ONE 13(9), article number: e0203197. (10.1371/journal.pone.0203197)
2017
- Madero, S., Gameiro, S., García, D., Cirera, D., Vassena, R. and Rodríguez, A. 2017. Quality of life, anxiety and depression of German, Italian and French couples undergoing cross-border oocyte donation in Spain. Human Reproduction 32(9), pp. 1862-1870. (10.1093/humrep/dex247)
- Gameiro, S. and Finnigan, A. 2017. Long-term adjustment to unmet parenthood goals: systematic review of long-term adjustment after failed fertility treatment. Human Reproduction Update 23(3), pp. 322-337. (10.1093/humupd/dmx001)
2016
- Sint Nicolaas, S. M., Hoogerbrugge, P. M., van den Bergh, E. M. M., Custers, J. A. E., Gameiro, S., Gemke, R. J. B. J. and Verhaak, C. M. 2016. Predicting trajectories of behavioral adjustment in children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Supportive Care in Cancer 24(11), pp. 4503-4513. (10.1007/s00520-016-3289-9)
- Winn, B., Gameiro, S., Shelton, K. H. and Leekam, S. R. 2016. Conflict management in couple relationships: the experiences of individuals with Asperger syndrome and their partners. Good Autism Practice 17(2), pp. 72-80.
- Gameiro, S., van den Belt-Dusebout, A. W., Smeenk, J. M. J., Braat, D. D. M., van Leeuwen, F. E. and Verhaak, C. M. 2016. Women's adjustment trajectories during IVF and impact on mental health 11–17 years later. Human Reproduction 31(8), pp. 1788-1798. (10.1093/humrep/dew131)
- Gameiro, S. et al. 2016. Qualitative research in the ESHRE Guideline ‘Routine psychosocial care in infertility and medically assisted reproduction - a guide for staff’ [Letter]. Human Reproduction 31(8), pp. 1928-1929. (10.1093/humrep/dew155)
- Da Silva, S., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2016. Self-regulation and wellbeing when facing a blocked parenthood goal: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Plos One 11(6), article number: e0157649. (10.1371/journal.pone.0157649)
- Moura-Ramos, M., Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C. and Santos, T. 2016. Does infertility history affect the emotional adjustment of couples undergoing assisted reproduction? The mediating role of importance of parenthood. British Journal of Health Psychology 21(2) (10.1111/bjhp.12169)
- ter Keurst, A., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2016. Women's intentions to use fertility preservation to prevent age-related fertility decline. Reproductive Biomedicine Online 32(1), pp. 121-131. (10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.10.007)
2015
- Gameiro, S. 2015. ESHRE guideline: routine psychosocial care in infertility and medically assisted reproduction—a guide for fertility staff. Human Reproduction 30(11), pp. 2476-2845. (10.1093/humrep/dev177)
- Gameiro, S. 2015. Infertility. In: Friedman, H. ed. Encyclopedia of Mental Health, 2nd Edition. Elsevier, pp. 234-241., (10.1016/B978-0-323-91497-0.00020-5)
- Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2015. Evolution of psychology and counselling in infertility. Fertility and Sterility 104(2), pp. 251-259.
2014
- Gameiro, S., van den Belt-Dusebout, A. W., Bleiker, E., Braat, D., van Leeuwen, F. E. and Verhaak, C. M. 2014. Do children make you happier? Sustained child-wish and mental health in women 11-17 years after fertility treatment. Human Reproduction 29(10), pp. 2238-2246. (10.1093/humrep/deu178)
2013
- Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C. and Boivin, J. 2013. Patient centred care in infertility health care: Direct and indirect associations with wellbeing during treatment. Patient Education and Counseling 93(3), pp. 646-654. (10.1016/j.pec.2013.08.015)
- Gameiro, S., Boivin, J. and Domar, A. 2013. Optimal IVF in 2020 should reduce treatment burden and enhance care delivery for patients and staff. Fertility and Sterility 100(2), pp. 302-309. (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.06.015)
- Gameiro, S., Verhaak, C. M., Kremer, J. A. M. and Boivin, J. 2013. Why we should talk about compliance with assisted reproductive technologies (ART): a systematic review and meta-analysis of ART compliance rates. Human Reproduction Update 19(2), pp. 124-135. (10.1093/humupd/dms045)
- Lopes, V., Canavarro, M. C., Verhaak, C. M., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2013. Are patients at risk for psychological maladjustment during fertility treatment less willing to comply with treatment? Results from the Portuguese validation of the SCREENIVF. Human Reproduction 29(2), pp. 293-302. (10.1093/humrep/det418)
- Pedro, J., Canavarro, M. C., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2013. Positive experiences of patient-centred care are associated with intensions to comply with fertility treatment: findings from the validation of the Portuguese version of the PCQ-Infertility tool. Human Reproduction 28(9), pp. 2462-2472. (10.1093/humrep/det259)
- Boivin, J., Bunting, L. E. and Gameiro, S. 2013. Cassandra's prophecy: a psychological perspective. Why we need to do more than just tell women. Reproductive BioMedicine Online 27(1), pp. 11-14. (10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.03.021)
2012
- Gameiro, S., Boivin, J., Peronace, L. A. and Verhaak, C. M. 2012. Why do patients discontinue fertility treatment? A systematic review of reasons and predictors of discontinuation in fertility treatment. Human Reproduction Update 18(6), pp. 652-669. (10.1093/humupd/dms031)
- Moura-Ramos, M., Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M., Soares, I. and Santos, T. 2012. The indirect effect of contextual factors on the emotional distress of infertile couples. Psychology and Health 27(5), pp. 533-549. (10.1080/08870446.2011.598231)
2011
- Gameiro, S., Nazaré, B., Fonseca, A., Moura-Ramos, M. and Canavarro, M. C. 2011. Changes in marital congruence and quality of life across the transition to parenthood in couples who conceived spontaneously or with assisted reproductive technologies. Fertility and Sterility 96(6), pp. 1457-1462. (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.09.003)
- Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C., Boivin, J., Moura-Ramos, M., Soares, I. and Almeida Santos, T. 2011. Parental investment in couples who conceived spontaneously or with assisted reproductive techniques. Human Reproduction 26(5), pp. 1128-1137. (10.1093/humrep/der031)
- Nazaré, B., Fonseca, A., Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C. and Dattilio, F. M. 2011. Amniocentesis Due to Advanced Maternal Age: The Role of Marital Intimacy in Couples' Decision-Making Process. Contemporary Family Therapy 33(2), pp. 128-142. (10.1007/s10591-011-9151-9)
- Gameiro, S., Moura-Ramos, M., Canavarro, M. C. and Soares, I. 2011. Network support and parenting in mothers and fathers who conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproduction. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 29(2), pp. 170-182. (10.1080/02646838.2011.553950)
- Gameiro, S., Moura-Ramos, M., Canavarro, M. C., Santos, T. A. and Dattilio, F. M. 2011. Congruence of the Marital Relationship During Transition to Parenthood: A Study with Couples Who Conceived Spontaneously or Through Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Contemporary Family Therapy 33(2), pp. 91-106. (10.1007/s10591-011-9153-7)
- Moura-Ramos, M., Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C. and Soares, I. 2011. Assessing infertility stress: re-examining the factor structure of the Fertility Problem Inventory. Human Reproduction 27(2), pp. 496-505. (10.1093/humrep/der388)
2010
- Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C., Boivin, J., Moura-Ramos, M., Soares, I. and Santos, T. A. 2010. O-127 Do parents who conceive through assisted reproduction invest more in their child than parents who conceive spontaneously? [Abstract]. Human Reproduction 25(S1), pp. i50-i50. (10.1093/humrep/de.25.s1.33)
- Gameiro, S., Boivin, J., Canavarro, M. C., Moura-Ramos, M. and Soares, I. 2010. Social nesting: Changes in social network and support across the transition to parenthood in couples that conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproductive technologies. Journal of Family Psychology 24(2), pp. 175-187. (10.1037/a0019101)
- Gameiro, S., Moura-Ramos, M., Canavarro, M. C. and Soares, I. 2010. Psychosocial adjustment during the transition to parenthood of Portuguese couples who conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproductive technologies. Research in Nursing & Health 33(3), pp. 207-220. (10.1002/nur.20377)
2009
- Gameiro, S., Moura-Ramos, M. and Canavarro, M. C. 2009. Maternal adjustment to the birth of a child: Primiparity versus multiparity. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 27(3), pp. 269-286. (10.1080/02646830802350898)
- Canavarro, M. C. et al. 2009. Development and psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Instrument (WHOQOL-100) in Portugal. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine 16(2), pp. 116-124. (10.1007/s12529-008-9024-2)
Articles
- Carolino, N., Cunha, M., Pinto-Gouveia, J., Gameiro, S. and Galhardo, A. 2024. KindMap: an e-mental health tool to promote the well-being and mental health of people facing infertility—study protocol for a feasibility randomised control trial. BMJ Open 14(12), article number: e087447. (10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087447)
- Murphy, A. et al. 2024. Comparison of embryologist stress, somatization and burnout reported by embryologists working in UK HFEA-licensed ART/IVF clinics and US ART/IVF clinics. Human Reproduction 39(10), pp. 2297–2304. (10.1093/humrep/deae191)
- Gameiro, S., Leone, D. and Mertes, H. 2024. Fertility clinics have a duty of care toward patients who do not have children with treatment. Human Reproduction 39(8), pp. 1591-1598., article number: deae128. (10.1093/humrep/deae128)
- Gameiro, S., Adcock, E., Graterol Munoz, C., O'Hanrahan, M., D'Angelo, A. and Boivin, J. 2024. What is bad news in fertility care? A qualitative analysis of staff and patients’ accounts of bad and challenging news in fertility care. Human Reproduction 39(1), pp. 139-146. (10.1093/humrep/dead231)
- Murphy, A. et al. 2023. Comparison of embryologist stress, fatigue, and burnout currently reported by U.K. And U.S. Embryologists. Fertility and Sterility 120(4 Supp), article number: e265. (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.08.779)
- Sousa-Leite, M., Costa, R., Figueiredo, B. and Gameiro, S. 2023. Discussing the possibility of fertility treatment being unsuccessful as part of routine care offered at clinics: patients’ experiences, willingness, and preferences. Human Reproduction 38(7), pp. 1332-1344. (10.1093/humrep/dead096)
- Skedgel, C. et al. 2023. Unmet parenthood goals, health-related quality-of-life and apparent irrationality: understanding the value of treatments for infertility. PharmacoEconomics - Open 7, pp. 337-344. (10.1007/s41669-023-00402-5)
- Harrison, C., Gameiro, S. and Boivin, J. 2023. Qualitative evaluation of the acceptability and feasibility among health care professionals and patients of an ART multi-cycle treatment planning and continuation intervention prototype. Human Reproduction 38(3), pp. 430-443. (10.1093/humrep/deac272)
- Gameiro, S., Armstrong, K., Carluke, N., Baccino, G., Zegers-Hochschild, F. and Boivin, J. 2023. COVID-19 related uncertainty: Fertility staff experiences of its sources, processing, responses, and consequences. Human Reproduction 38(2), pp. 247-255. (10.1093/humrep/deac262)
- Sousa‐Leite, M., Fernandes, M., Reis, S., Costa, R., Figueiredo, B. and Gameiro, S. 2022. Feasibility and acceptability of psychosocial care for unsuccessful fertility treatment. Health Expectations 25(6), pp. 2902-2913. (10.1111/hex.13598)
- Rowbottom, B., Galhardo, A., Donovan, E. and Gameiro, S. 2022. Feasibility randomized controlled trial of a self-guided online intervention to promote psychosocial adjustment to unmet parenthood goals. Human Reproduction 37(10), pp. 2412-2425. (10.1093/humrep/deac168)
- Bliesemann de Guevara, B., El Refaie, E., Furnari, E., Gameiro, S., Julian, R. and Payson, A. 2022. Drawing out experiential conflict knowledge in Myanmar: arts-based methods in qualitative research with conflict-affected communities. Journal of Peacebuilding and Development 17(1), pp. 22-41. (10.1177/15423166211015971)
- Harrison, C., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2022. Talking about possible IVF/ICSI failure and need for multiple cycles in treatment planning: qualitative investigation of multi-cycle planning and its acceptability to patients and staff. Human Reproduction 37(3), pp. 488-498., article number: deab278. (10.1093/humrep/deab278)
- Gameiro, S. 2021. It is beneficial to support young, good prognosis patients, who strongly desire a biological child, through multiple cycles of treatment. Fertility and Sterility 116(1), pp. 67-68.
- Harrison, C., Gameiro, S. and Boivin, J. 2021. Patient willingness, preferences and decision making about planning for three complete cycles of IVF/ICSI treatment. Human Reproduction 36(5), pp. 1339-1352. (10.1093/humrep/deab040)
- Boivin, J., Harrison, C., Mathur, R., Burns, G., Pericleous-Smith, A. and Gameiro, S. 2020. Patient experiences of fertility clinic closure during the COVID-19 pandemic: appraisals, coping and emotions. Human Reproduction 35(11), pp. 2556-2566. (10.1093/humrep/deaa218)
- Gameiro, S. 2020. Straight out of the womb: the psychosocial implications of uterine transplant. Fertility and Sterility 114(2), pp. 285-286. (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.04.060)
- El Refaie, E., Payson, A., Bliesemann de Guevara, B. and Gameiro, S. 2020. Pictorial and spatial metaphor in the drawings of a culturally diverse group of women with fertility problems. Visual Communication 19(2), pp. 257-280. (10.1177/1470357218784622)
- Da Silva, S., Marie, P., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2020. Failure after fertility treatment: Regulation strategies when facing a blocked parenthood goal. Human Fertility 23(3), pp. 179-185. (10.1080/14647273.2018.1510186)
- Sousa-Leite, M., Figueiredo, B., ter Keurst, A., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2019. Women's attitudes and beliefs about using fertility preservation to prevent age-related fertility decline - a two-year follow-up. Patient Education and Counseling 102(9), pp. 1695-1702. (10.1016/j.pec.2019.03.019)
- Gameiro, S., El Refaie, E., Bliesemann de Guevara, B. and Payson, A. 2019. Women from diverse minority ethnic or religious backgrounds desire more infertility education and more culturally and personally sensitive fertility care. Human Reproduction 34(9), pp. 1735-1745. (10.1093/humrep/dez156)
- Gameiro, S., Sousa Leite, M. and Verneulen, N. 2019. Dissemination, implementation and impact of the ESHRE evidence-based guidelines. Human Reproduction Open 2019(3), article number: hoz011. (10.1093/hropen/hoz011)
- Gameiro, S., Bliesemann de Guevara, B., El Refaie, E. and Payson, A. 2018. DrawingOut - an innovative drawing workshop method to support the generation and dissemination of research findings. PLoS ONE 13(9), article number: e0203197. (10.1371/journal.pone.0203197)
- Madero, S., Gameiro, S., García, D., Cirera, D., Vassena, R. and Rodríguez, A. 2017. Quality of life, anxiety and depression of German, Italian and French couples undergoing cross-border oocyte donation in Spain. Human Reproduction 32(9), pp. 1862-1870. (10.1093/humrep/dex247)
- Gameiro, S. and Finnigan, A. 2017. Long-term adjustment to unmet parenthood goals: systematic review of long-term adjustment after failed fertility treatment. Human Reproduction Update 23(3), pp. 322-337. (10.1093/humupd/dmx001)
- Sint Nicolaas, S. M., Hoogerbrugge, P. M., van den Bergh, E. M. M., Custers, J. A. E., Gameiro, S., Gemke, R. J. B. J. and Verhaak, C. M. 2016. Predicting trajectories of behavioral adjustment in children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Supportive Care in Cancer 24(11), pp. 4503-4513. (10.1007/s00520-016-3289-9)
- Winn, B., Gameiro, S., Shelton, K. H. and Leekam, S. R. 2016. Conflict management in couple relationships: the experiences of individuals with Asperger syndrome and their partners. Good Autism Practice 17(2), pp. 72-80.
- Gameiro, S., van den Belt-Dusebout, A. W., Smeenk, J. M. J., Braat, D. D. M., van Leeuwen, F. E. and Verhaak, C. M. 2016. Women's adjustment trajectories during IVF and impact on mental health 11–17 years later. Human Reproduction 31(8), pp. 1788-1798. (10.1093/humrep/dew131)
- Gameiro, S. et al. 2016. Qualitative research in the ESHRE Guideline ‘Routine psychosocial care in infertility and medically assisted reproduction - a guide for staff’ [Letter]. Human Reproduction 31(8), pp. 1928-1929. (10.1093/humrep/dew155)
- Da Silva, S., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2016. Self-regulation and wellbeing when facing a blocked parenthood goal: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Plos One 11(6), article number: e0157649. (10.1371/journal.pone.0157649)
- Moura-Ramos, M., Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C. and Santos, T. 2016. Does infertility history affect the emotional adjustment of couples undergoing assisted reproduction? The mediating role of importance of parenthood. British Journal of Health Psychology 21(2) (10.1111/bjhp.12169)
- ter Keurst, A., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2016. Women's intentions to use fertility preservation to prevent age-related fertility decline. Reproductive Biomedicine Online 32(1), pp. 121-131. (10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.10.007)
- Gameiro, S. 2015. ESHRE guideline: routine psychosocial care in infertility and medically assisted reproduction—a guide for fertility staff. Human Reproduction 30(11), pp. 2476-2845. (10.1093/humrep/dev177)
- Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2015. Evolution of psychology and counselling in infertility. Fertility and Sterility 104(2), pp. 251-259.
- Gameiro, S., van den Belt-Dusebout, A. W., Bleiker, E., Braat, D., van Leeuwen, F. E. and Verhaak, C. M. 2014. Do children make you happier? Sustained child-wish and mental health in women 11-17 years after fertility treatment. Human Reproduction 29(10), pp. 2238-2246. (10.1093/humrep/deu178)
- Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C. and Boivin, J. 2013. Patient centred care in infertility health care: Direct and indirect associations with wellbeing during treatment. Patient Education and Counseling 93(3), pp. 646-654. (10.1016/j.pec.2013.08.015)
- Gameiro, S., Boivin, J. and Domar, A. 2013. Optimal IVF in 2020 should reduce treatment burden and enhance care delivery for patients and staff. Fertility and Sterility 100(2), pp. 302-309. (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.06.015)
- Gameiro, S., Verhaak, C. M., Kremer, J. A. M. and Boivin, J. 2013. Why we should talk about compliance with assisted reproductive technologies (ART): a systematic review and meta-analysis of ART compliance rates. Human Reproduction Update 19(2), pp. 124-135. (10.1093/humupd/dms045)
- Lopes, V., Canavarro, M. C., Verhaak, C. M., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2013. Are patients at risk for psychological maladjustment during fertility treatment less willing to comply with treatment? Results from the Portuguese validation of the SCREENIVF. Human Reproduction 29(2), pp. 293-302. (10.1093/humrep/det418)
- Pedro, J., Canavarro, M. C., Boivin, J. and Gameiro, S. 2013. Positive experiences of patient-centred care are associated with intensions to comply with fertility treatment: findings from the validation of the Portuguese version of the PCQ-Infertility tool. Human Reproduction 28(9), pp. 2462-2472. (10.1093/humrep/det259)
- Boivin, J., Bunting, L. E. and Gameiro, S. 2013. Cassandra's prophecy: a psychological perspective. Why we need to do more than just tell women. Reproductive BioMedicine Online 27(1), pp. 11-14. (10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.03.021)
- Gameiro, S., Boivin, J., Peronace, L. A. and Verhaak, C. M. 2012. Why do patients discontinue fertility treatment? A systematic review of reasons and predictors of discontinuation in fertility treatment. Human Reproduction Update 18(6), pp. 652-669. (10.1093/humupd/dms031)
- Moura-Ramos, M., Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M., Soares, I. and Santos, T. 2012. The indirect effect of contextual factors on the emotional distress of infertile couples. Psychology and Health 27(5), pp. 533-549. (10.1080/08870446.2011.598231)
- Gameiro, S., Nazaré, B., Fonseca, A., Moura-Ramos, M. and Canavarro, M. C. 2011. Changes in marital congruence and quality of life across the transition to parenthood in couples who conceived spontaneously or with assisted reproductive technologies. Fertility and Sterility 96(6), pp. 1457-1462. (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.09.003)
- Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C., Boivin, J., Moura-Ramos, M., Soares, I. and Almeida Santos, T. 2011. Parental investment in couples who conceived spontaneously or with assisted reproductive techniques. Human Reproduction 26(5), pp. 1128-1137. (10.1093/humrep/der031)
- Nazaré, B., Fonseca, A., Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C. and Dattilio, F. M. 2011. Amniocentesis Due to Advanced Maternal Age: The Role of Marital Intimacy in Couples' Decision-Making Process. Contemporary Family Therapy 33(2), pp. 128-142. (10.1007/s10591-011-9151-9)
- Gameiro, S., Moura-Ramos, M., Canavarro, M. C. and Soares, I. 2011. Network support and parenting in mothers and fathers who conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproduction. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 29(2), pp. 170-182. (10.1080/02646838.2011.553950)
- Gameiro, S., Moura-Ramos, M., Canavarro, M. C., Santos, T. A. and Dattilio, F. M. 2011. Congruence of the Marital Relationship During Transition to Parenthood: A Study with Couples Who Conceived Spontaneously or Through Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Contemporary Family Therapy 33(2), pp. 91-106. (10.1007/s10591-011-9153-7)
- Moura-Ramos, M., Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C. and Soares, I. 2011. Assessing infertility stress: re-examining the factor structure of the Fertility Problem Inventory. Human Reproduction 27(2), pp. 496-505. (10.1093/humrep/der388)
- Gameiro, S., Canavarro, M. C., Boivin, J., Moura-Ramos, M., Soares, I. and Santos, T. A. 2010. O-127 Do parents who conceive through assisted reproduction invest more in their child than parents who conceive spontaneously? [Abstract]. Human Reproduction 25(S1), pp. i50-i50. (10.1093/humrep/de.25.s1.33)
- Gameiro, S., Boivin, J., Canavarro, M. C., Moura-Ramos, M. and Soares, I. 2010. Social nesting: Changes in social network and support across the transition to parenthood in couples that conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproductive technologies. Journal of Family Psychology 24(2), pp. 175-187. (10.1037/a0019101)
- Gameiro, S., Moura-Ramos, M., Canavarro, M. C. and Soares, I. 2010. Psychosocial adjustment during the transition to parenthood of Portuguese couples who conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproductive technologies. Research in Nursing & Health 33(3), pp. 207-220. (10.1002/nur.20377)
- Gameiro, S., Moura-Ramos, M. and Canavarro, M. C. 2009. Maternal adjustment to the birth of a child: Primiparity versus multiparity. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 27(3), pp. 269-286. (10.1080/02646830802350898)
- Canavarro, M. C. et al. 2009. Development and psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Instrument (WHOQOL-100) in Portugal. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine 16(2), pp. 116-124. (10.1007/s12529-008-9024-2)
Book sections
- Gameiro, S. 2015. Infertility. In: Friedman, H. ed. Encyclopedia of Mental Health, 2nd Edition. Elsevier, pp. 234-241., (10.1016/B978-0-323-91497-0.00020-5)
Research
Research topics
1. Adjustment and wellbeing during fertility treatment
Many people who cannot conceive spontaneously (e.g., infertile, LGBT) undergo fertility treatment to achieve parenthood. Fertility treatment is a challenging and protracted process whose burden includes disruption to personal and professional life, side-effects of hormonal stimulation, painful medical procedures (e.g., oocyte pick-up), peaks of anxiety when patients are anticipating results, in particular during the 2-week waiting period to know the outcome of the treatment cycle, and high emotional distress when the cycle is unsuccessful. I conduct cross-sectional and prospective observational studies to
- understand how patients adjust at different stages of fertility treatment;
- identify risk factors for poor adjustment;
- assess patients' needs and preferences regarding the care they receive and how this can be improved.
2. Engagement with fertility treatment
Fertility treatment can offer cumulative live birth rates approaching 60%, but chances per cycle do not exceed 25% on average, and patients are advised to undergo repeated cycles to maximize their chances of conceiving. The burden of treatment is such that 1 in 5 patients discontinuing before they manage to have children. I conduct cross-sectional and prospective observational studies to
- understand how people sustain engagement across the different stages of the fertility treatment they have to undergo;
- identify risk-factors for disengagement;
- understand how engagement and disengagement from fertility treatment is associated with wellbeing and self-fulfillment.
3. Psychosocial adjustment to unrealized parenthood goals
Around 1 in 5 women in the UK reach the end of their reproductive life without children. Desired childlessness is estimated to be very low (around 3%). The pathways that lead people to not realized their parenthood goals are multiple, but the loss reaction seems to be universal and to include intense and prolonged sadness and grief, that may attenuate with time but does not completely disappear. My research on this topic has focused on:
- understanding how the loss of parenthood manifests over time;
- understanding the mechanisms underlying positive adjustment to this loss;
- developing research and theory-based interventions (digital, face-to-face) to support individuals coming to terms with their unrealized parenthood goals.
4. Reproductive decision-making
Since the appearance of oral contraception parenthood became a planned and complex decision that is balanced with multiple competing goals in life such as developing a professional career. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies made this decision even more complex by opening new avenues to achieve parenthood. I conduct observational studies and surveys to understand
- the factors that affect how people make decisions about having children
- how people use new reproductive technologies, for instance fertility preservation.
5. Use of innovative visual methods in participatory research, public engagement and support provision
Me and my colleague Lisa El Refaie from ENCAP, developed the DrawingOut method and the DrawingOut Invisible Diseases website, which use step-by-step metaphor-based drawing exercises to help people express and share their thoughts and feelings about illness. We have been conducting experimental studies to better understand how
- metaphor-based drawing facilitates the expression and communication of personal experiences of health and disease
- how materials based on these drawings promote empathy towards affected people.
Teaching
I teach in two year-two modules and am fully responsible for a final-year module:
PS2018 Clinical and abnormal psychology (6 lectures)
PS2024 Psychological Research Skills (7 lectures)
PS3120 Evidence-based Health Psychology (full module)
Biography
Undergraduate education
Degrees in Mathematics – Computer Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (January, 1999)
Degree in Clinical Psychology – Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra (July, 2004)
Postgraduate education
Doctorate of Philosophy in Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra (November, 2009)
Employment
Programmer / senior researcher at the Centre for Computer Sciences – Research and Technology Development (www.ccg.pt). Industrial Systems Engineering (1999 to 2005).
Supervisions
Current PhD Students
Bethan Rowbottom (funded by the School of Psychology, Cardiff University)
Beth has been leading a research programme to design and evaluate a bilingual (Portuguese, English) self-help app to support people who are unable to have the children they desire. The app will be available at www.myjourney.pt from the 1st of November 2020.
Mariana Sousa Leite (funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology)
Mariana will develop and evaluate a face-to-face psychological interventions for who undergo unsuccessful fertility treatment. The goal is to integrate preparation for unsuccess in the way fertility care is routinely provided at clinics.
Aylin Mooren (Funded by the ESRC DTP studentship)
Aylin will develop a training programme to improve fertility staff skills in sharing bad news with their patients and will assess its acceptability and feasibility among fertility staff and patients.
