[Comparison of self-esteem and coping responses in infertile and fertile couples from Shahrekord, during 2003-2004]

ABSTRACT

Infertility is an illness in which, women during a years of sexual intercourse and without the use of contraceptive methods, are unable to become pregnant. Self-esteem is a psychological method by which a person assesses oneself. Coping responses are conscious rational ways for dealing with the anxieties of life. Psychological researches in infertile couples showed that infertility is a bio-psychosocial crisis that can create psychological problems in these individuals. Therefore, the aim this study was to compare self-esteem and coping responses in fertile and infertile couples from Shahrekord during 2003-2004. In a cross-sectional study so couples of fertile and so couples of infertile referred to gynecology clinic of Hojar hospital in Shahrekord were selected, randomly, during 6 month period. Questionnaire included Coper Smith self-esteem, Billings and Moos coping responses. Sata were analyzed by t-test and Spearman correlation. The results showed that the average of self-esteem scores in infertile couples [27.3] is less than [32.7] fertile couples [p<0.05]. Also there was no significant difference between infertile and fertile couples on the coping responses [p>0.05]. Psychologic effects of infertility is very important and should be considered intensivery in in fertile couples to decrease the following problems