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Personality, coping and sperm count.
M Pook1, B Tuschen-Caffier, J Kubek
1Department of Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany. martin.pook@isb.bayern.de
Andrologia
|January 13, 2005
Summary
This study found that higher conscientiousness and active coping were linked to better sperm concentration in healthy men. These psychological factors appear to influence male reproductive health parameters.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Reproductive Health
- Sperm Parameters
Background:
- Previous studies indicated links between personality traits and coping mechanisms.
- Research also suggested associations between coping strategies and sperm concentration.
- This study aimed to integrate these research areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between personality traits, coping behaviors, and sperm concentration in healthy men.
- To test specific hypotheses combining these previously separate research domains.
Main Methods:
- 54 healthy male volunteers participated in the study.
- Participants completed questionnaires twice to assess personality traits and coping behaviors.
- Semen specimens were collected from participants to measure sperm concentration.
Main Results:
- Active coping showed a negative correlation with neuroticism (r = -0.59) and a positive correlation with conscientiousness (r = 0.56).
- Sperm concentration was negatively correlated with both active coping (r = -0.28) and conscientiousness (r = -0.37).
- Active coping did not appear to mediate the relationship between conscientiousness and sperm concentration.
Conclusions:
- Psychological factors and male sperm parameters are not entirely independent.
- Conscientiousness and active coping may influence sperm concentration.
- Findings do not suggest these traits are exclusive to infertile individuals.