Relationship of Self-Compassion with Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Infertile Women

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: Infertile women have a higher rate of psychiatric symptoms compared to fertile women while depression and anxiety are among the most common psychiatric disorders in this group. Self-compassion might be a variable in predicting depression, anxiety and stress. The study aimed to evaluate self-compassion in infertile women and to examine its relationship with depression and anxiety levels. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total number of 122 participants. The study group (n=50) consisted of women who applied to the gynaecology and obstetrics clinic for infertility treatment and were recruited consecutively. The control group (n=72) was recruited from hospital staff and their relatives, of the similar age and gender as the study group. The participants filled Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in addition to sociodemographic data form. Results: SCS scores were significantly lower, and HADS scores (both depression and anxiety) were significantly higher in the study group, compared to the control group. There was a negative correlation between SCS and HADS scores (p < 0.001), indicating that lower self-compassion levels are associated with increased depression and anxiety. Duration of infertility treatment was not correlated with SCS and HADS scores (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Infertile women have higher levels of depression and anxiety while self-compassion is an influential factor in maintaining psychological well-being and preventing anxiety and depressive symptoms in this group. Self-compassion based or other interventions targeting psychological well-being of infertile women would be beneficial.