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Self-stigma and social support as predictors of well-being of women facing primary infertility: The mediating role of gender identity concern

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The present study aimed to examine the mediating effect of gender identity concern in the relationship between self-stigma and perceived social support on the one hand, and subjective well-being on the other. The sample included 161 women facing primary infertility who reported on their own life satisfaction, positive and negative feelings, gender identity concern, self-stigma, and social support. Results showed that the relationship between self-stigma and positive feelings was fully mediated via gender identity concern. Self-stigma had a direct and indirect effect on negative feelings, via gender identity concern. Furthermore, self-stigma and social support of a special person/family had a direct effect on life satisfaction. Social support of a special person/family had a direct and indirect effect on positive feelings, via gender identity concern. Gender identity concern mediated the relationship between social support of a special person/family and negative feelings. The obtained results indicate the importance of social context and gender identity in understanding the mental health of women facing infertility.

Source: Psihologija

DOI: 10.2298/psi241030046s

Authors: Miljana Spasic Snele, Ivana Jankovic, Mila Guberinic, Jelena Opsenica Kostic, Nikola Cirovic, Milica Mitrovic

Institution: University of Nis

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Technologies

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia