Psychosocial Problems and Marital Satisfaction in Infertile Individuals: The Buffering Role of Meaning Based Coping

Abstract

Background: Psychosocial problems, encompassing a range of emotional, cognitive and social challenges, are known to affect infertile individuals’ well-being and relationship dynamics. Marital satisfaction, a critical indicator of relationship quality, is often impacted by these psychosocial problems. Coping strategies, particularly how infertile individuals manage and mitigate these challenges, play a crucial role in maintaining marital satisfaction.

Objective: The current study aims to examine the association between psychosocial problems, coping strategies, and marital satisfaction, with the particular focus on how different coping mechanisms influence the marital outcomes of individuals experiencing psychosocial problems.

Method: A cross-sectional correlational research design was used to conduct the research. Total No. of 270 infertile men (66) and women (204) having primary infertility were selected through purposive sampling strategy from different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. “Emotional and Social Distress Scale (ESDS), COMPI Coping Strategy Scale (COMPI CSS), and Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI)” were used to collect the data.

Results: The findings indicated a significant adverse relationship between psychosocial problems and marital satisfaction, suggesting that higher level of psychosocial problems are associated with lower level of marital satisfaction. However, the use of meaning based coping buffers the association between psychosocial distress and marital satisfaction.

Conclusion: The study underscores the critical role of meaning based coping strategies in buffering the adverse effects of psychosocial problems on marital satisfaction. These strategies can enhance the marital satisfaction and mitigate adverse impacts of psychosocial problems. The findings have important implications for therapeutic interventions aimed at improving marital quality in the context of psychosocial challenges.