Role of Resilience and Stigma in Psychological Well-being of Infertile Women

By : Anupriya, Aatika Siddiqui, Ranvijay Singh, Swaran Lata,

Page No: 167-178

Abstract
Infertility, affecting one in six individuals globally, poses psychological challenges, particularly in cultures where fertility defines identity and social status. Women with infertility frequently encounter stigma that affects their mental health and resilience, limiting their ability to cope. This study explores the relationships between infertility stigma, resilience, and psychological well-being, with stigma as a mediator. Participants from an IVF centre completed measures including the Infertility Stigma Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Ryff’s Psychological Well Being Scale. Analyses demonstrated moderate infertility stigma and psychological well-being, with low resilience among participants. Psychological well-being was positively associated with resilience and negatively associated with stigma. Mediation analysis showed that stigma fully mediated the resilience & well-being relationship. The findings highlight the impact of stigma in impairing women’s well-being and coping abilities. Addressing infertility stigma and building resilience through targeted interventions are critical for improving mental health, particularly in cultures where societal pressures intensify distress.

Authors:
Anupriya: Research scholar, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh,
Aatika Siddiqui: Research scholar, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh,
Ranvijay Singh: Cluster Business Director, INDIRA IVF Fertility Centre, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh,
Swaran Lata: Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2025.20.02.1