Emotional support within marital relationships and life satisfaction among individuals experiencing infertility patients receiving treatment at the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital in Quang Ninh province
Emotional support within marital relationships and life satisfaction among individuals experiencing infertility patients receiving treatment at the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital in Quang Ninh province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1243/2t257v30Keywords:
Emotional support, Life satisfaction, Infertility, Marital relationshipAbstract
According to a report by the World Health Organization (2023), infertility can give rise to substantial stress, feelings of shame, and financial difficulties, thereby adversely affecting individuals’ mental health and perceived well-being. For individuals experiencing infertility, regardless of whether the underlying cause lies with the male or female partner, emotional support from one’s spouse plays a crucial role and significantly influences life satisfaction. Based on a survey of 284 participants undergoing treatment for primary infertility at Quang Ninh Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, the findings indicated that the overall level of life satisfaction among participants was moderately high, while the level of emotional support received from spouses was relatively positive. Notably, further analyses revealed that spousal emotional support was a strong predictor of life satisfaction among individuals with infertility. In addition, the study identified gender differences in the predictive role of spousal emotional support on life satisfaction within this population.
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