Personality traits of women with psychogenic infertility (on different levels of organization of individuality)

Abstract

This article reviews the results of research dedicated to personality characteristics of women struggling with psychogenic infertility (on different levels of organization of individuality: physical, affective and behavioral). It is assumed that all levels of organization of individuality are interrelated, which allows observing a holistic picture of personality of women involved in the study. The goal consists in examination of personality traits of women with reproductive disorders on physical, personal and social levels of the organization of individuality. The subject of this research is the psychological peculiarities, coping strategies, and psychological defenses of women with reproductive disorders on different levels of organization of individuality. The following methods were applied: empirical, such as testing and quantitative methods (charting); statistical, such as correlation analysis; qualitative methods, such as generalization, systematization, comparison. The scientific novelty lies in studying personality traits of women with reproductive disorders on different levels of the organization of individuality. The conclusion is made that women struggling with psychogenic infertility (comparing to women with no such disorder) are characterized with the following personality traits on different levels of the organization of individuality: 1) on the physical level – distorted perception and dissatisfaction with their body; 2) on the personal (affective) level – high anxiety, both reactive and personal; alexithymia; rigidity; inclination to depressive disorders; 3) on the social (behavioral) level –  facing difficult life situations, women with reproductive disorders are not able to take responsibility, and often resort to such defense mechanisms as denial, avoidance, regression and projection.