The indirect effect of contextual factors on the emotional distress of infertile couples

M. Moura-Ramos, S. Gameiro, M. C. Canavarro, I. Soares, T. A. Santos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Few studies were dedicated to study the role of contextual factors, such as the socioeconomic status and urban or rural residence in emotional distress of infertile couples. This study aimed to explore the impact of contextual factors on emotional distress, either directly or by affecting the importance of parenthood in one's life, which in turn affects emotional distress. In this cross-sectional study, 70 couples recruited during hormonal stimulation phase prior to in vitro fertilisation completed clinical and sociodemographic forms and self-report questionnaires assessing representations about the importance of parenthood and emotional distress. Path analysis using structural equation modelling was used to examine direct and indirect effects among variables. Results indicated that socioeconomic status and place of residence had an impact in emotional distress by affecting the representations about the importance of parenthood in one's life. Gender differences were found regarding model paths, suggesting that the social context may have a stronger influence on women's emotional distress than on their partners' distress. When delineating psychological interventions, health care providers should consider that cultural values about children and parenthood contribute to shape the infertility experience.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)533-549
Number of pages17
JournalPsychology and Health
Volume27
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • couple analysis
  • emotional distress
  • indirect effects
  • infertility
  • infertility stress
  • path analysis

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