Relationship of Self-Compassion with Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Infertile Women

Authors : Elif Ganime AYGÜN, Barış SANCAK, Ürün ÖZER

Pages : 256-261

Doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1050692

View : 36 | Download : 19

Publication Date : 2022-03-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: Infertile women have a higher rate of psychiatric symptoms compared to fertile women. Depression and anxiety are among the most common psychiatric disorders in this group. Self-compassion might be a variable in predicting depression, anxiety and stress in infertile women and thus more research is required. Methods: This study included a total number of 122 participants. The study group insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=50); consisted women who applied to the gynaecology and obstetrics clinic for infertility treatment. The control group insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=72); was recruited from hospital staff and their relatives, of the similar age and gender as the study group. The participants filled Self-Compassion Scale insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SCS); and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(HADS); in addition to sociodemographic data form. Results: The mean age of the study and control group were 31.50±5.104 and 31.86±7.681 years, respectively. The mean duration of infertility treatment in the study group was 5.48±5.023 months. SCS scores were significantly lower, and HADS scores insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(both depression and anxiety); were significantly higher in the study group, compared to the control group. There was a negative correlation between SCS and HADS scores insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p 0.05);. Conclusion: It is crucial to screen infertile women for psychiatric symptoms, especially anxiety and depression. Patients with these symptoms should be referred to a mental health professional. Interventions targeting psychological well-being of infertile women are fundamental. Self-compassion is an influential factor in maintaining psychological well-being and preventing anxiety and depressive symptoms in infertile women.
Keywords : Anxiety, Compassion, Depressive Symptoms, Female, Infertility, Psychological Factors