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Loneliness and social support in infertile couples
J Jirka1, S Schuett, M J Foxall
1Methodist Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA.
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Infertile wives reported higher loneliness than husbands, though social support levels were similar. Increased social support and reciprocity reduced loneliness for both partners, while conflict exacerbated it for wives.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Reproductive Health
- Social Science
Background:
- Infertility significantly impacts couples' emotional well-being.
- Understanding gender differences in psychological responses to infertility is crucial for targeted support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare loneliness and perceived social support levels between infertile wives and husbands.
- To investigate the relationship between loneliness and social support in infertile couples.
Main Methods:
- A comparative descriptive study was conducted.
- 62 couples undergoing infertility treatment were recruited from a university clinic and a support group.
- Loneliness and social support were assessed using validated scales (Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, Interpersonal Relationship Inventory).
Main Results:
- Wives reported significantly higher levels of loneliness compared to husbands.
- No significant differences were found in overall social support or its subscales (reciprocity, conflict) between genders.
- Loneliness was inversely correlated with social support and reciprocity in both wives and husbands.
- Loneliness correlated positively with relationship conflict, specifically for wives.
Conclusions:
- While infertile wives experience greater loneliness, both partners perceive similar levels of social support.
- Enhanced social support and reciprocity are key factors in mitigating loneliness for both men and women in infertile couples.
- Wives experiencing higher social conflict are more prone to loneliness, highlighting the impact of relationship dynamics on emotional distress.