Exploring the Nexus of Social Stigma, Perceived Social Support, and Life Satisfaction among Women Facing Delayed Conception

Abstract

In recent research, a fascinating exploration delved into the intricate relationship between social stigma, perceived social support, and life satisfaction among women who experienced delayed conception. The study included a diverse sample of 105 females drawn from various regions of Sialkot. To assess these critical dimensions, the researchers employed the Stigma Scale and Discrimination (DISC), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Employing a cross-sectional research design with a quantitative approach, the data was meticulously collected and analyzed. Notably, the results demonstrated a negative correlation between social stigma and perceived social support (r = -.303**, p < .01), underlining the profound impact of social support in alleviating the stigma associated with delayed conception. Furthermore, the study revealed a significant negative correlation between social stigma and life satisfaction (r = .415**, p < .01), highlighting the detrimental influence of stigma on overall life satisfaction. Conversely, there was a positive correlation between life satisfaction and perceived social support (r = .312**, p < .01), emphasizing the beneficial role of social support in promoting a greater sense of life satisfaction among these women. The findings of this study unveiled an intriguing role for social support as a mediator in mitigating the adverse effects of stigma while simultaneously enhancing life satisfaction in women who faced challenges in conceiving.