Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Caring Sciences 2251-9920 15 2 2026 05 25 The Effect of Counseling Using Happiness Training on the Stress and Self-Efficacy of Infertile Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial 94 102 10.34172/jcs.36492 EN Fereshteh Shaker https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9680-093X Mahnaz Shahnazi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9676-8492 Mojgan Mirghafourvand https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8360-4309 Naiemeh Moheb https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6036-4584 Khadije Hajizadeh https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0327-7083 Journal Article 10.34172/jcs.36492 2025 09 30 2025 12 01 Introduction: Infertility is considered a major life crisis and imposes significant stress on infertile couples. This study aims to determine the effect of counseling using happiness training based on the cognitive-behavioral model on stress and infertility self-efficacy among infertile women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 60 infertile women undergoing IVF treatment were randomly assigned using block randomization with blocks of four and six and a 1:1 allocation ratio into two groups: a counseling group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). For the intervention group, counseling was conducted in eight 45 to 60 minute sessions with groups of 4 to 6 participants, weekly, at the Infertility Center of Jahad Daneshgahi in Tabriz, Iran. Data were collected using the Newton Infertility Stress Questionnaire and the Infertility Self-Efficacy Scale. Independent t-test and ANCOVA test were used for data analysis. Results: ANCOVA results, adjusted for baseline values, showed that the mean infertility stress score in the counseling group was significantly lower than in the control group. Additionally, the mean infertility self-efficacy score in the counseling group was significantly higher than in the control group. Conclusion: Considering the impact of infertility-related stress on the infertility treatment process, and based on the results of this study, it is recommended that happiness training counseling be integrated alongside other supportive and care-based treatments for infertile women.