PSYCHO-SOCIAL STATE AND COPING STRATEGIES OF CHILDLESS OR INFERTILE WOMEN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Childlessness is a globally prevalent issue which affects the social, psychological and economic state of one’s life. Infertility whether voluntary or involuntary is stigmatized in our society. Stress, anxiety, depression and social pressures are associated with infertility. Keeping in mind this context, this study aimed to get knowledge about social factors that put pressure on the infertile women, effects of the social factors on psychological state of infertile women and strategies to cope with socio-psychological pressures. This study is qualitative in nature in which ten in depth interviews of infertile women were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The study concluded that infertility brings a lot of stress, anxiety and depression on women. Women who are unable to conceive blame themselves and try to avoid questioning people and social gatherings. The socio cultural pressures can be coped with by praying, recitation, firm belief in Allah, ignoring the taunting and questioning people, finding hobbies to divert mind Besides medical treatment moral and emotional support is also required to the affected women as it is a long and tiring process. Psychological mentoring can also help women to cope with stress and anxiety associated with infertility. Keywords: childlessness, infertility, socio-cultural pressure, psychological pressure