Relations between protective traits and psychological distress among women experiencing infertility.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between traits associated with adaptive self-management and psychological distress in women experiencing infertility. A sample of 326 women reported on their infertility experience; their tendencies with respect to self-compassion, emotion regulation, and positivity; and their current psychological distress. Results showed negative associations of self-compassion and positive orientation with depression in the past month. The additional distress experienced by women with primary infertility was attenuated by self-compassion and the tendency to not suppress emotional expression. Traits that enable effective self-management buffer the effects of infertility on psychology health.

Duke Scholars

Author Rick Hoyle Psychology & Neuroscience