Factors influencing the well-being of long-term infertile couples
Authors:
F. van Balen a;
T. C. M. Trimbos-Kemper b
| Affiliations: | a Department of Educational Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
| b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands |
DOI:
10.3109/01674829409025641
Publication Frequency:
4 issues per year
Published in:
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology,
Volume
15,
Issue
3
September
1994
, pages 157
- 164
Formats available:
PDF
(English)
View Article:
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Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate factors that may influence the well-being of long-term infertile couples. One hundred and eight childless couples with a long-term infertility completed a structured questionnaire. Three groups of independent variables were discerned: sociodemographic factors, factors associated with infertility and the desire to have a child, and personality characteristics. The effect of these variables upon seven dimensions of (negative) well-being: depression, anxiety, hostility, health complaints, guilt/blame, self-esteem and sexuality was investigated. Strong negative feelings concerning infertility and a high degree of femininity were associated with a low level of well-being (among women as well as among men). To a lesser extent, secrecy with regard to infertility and being the infertile partner (among men) and still pursuing medical treatment (among women) were related to a lower sense of well-being. Recognition of these relations may help in the counselling of infertile couples.
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| Keywords: Infertility; Stress; Well-Being; Gender Differences; Counselling |
| view references (31) : view citations |


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