Stigma, trauma, and coping methods in women who treated infertility according to the factor

The present study was planned to determine the significant difference of stigmatization, traumatic stress and coping mechanisms between the three infertility factor groups (female factor [FF], male factor [MF], female and male factor [FMF]) of women who are involving infertility treatment. In this study, which is a descriptive and causal comparison research, the relational survey model was used. Data were obtained both face-to-face and online. Face-to-face data was collected from Egemen Koyuncu Woman Diseases, Obstetric and IVF Clinic. At the same time, a special account was created for this research via social media, and data collection forms and scales were delivered to the participants online. The sample was collected between 21.02.2022 and 02.05.2023. 135 women participated in the sample of the study. Personal Information Form, Infertility Stigma Scale (ISS), Impact of Events Scale- Revised (IES-R), and Infertile Women's Coping Scale (IWCS) were used to collect data. In terms of ISS total scores, it was revealed that the FMF group felt stigmatized at a higher level than the women in the FF and MF groups. In terms of total IES-R scores, the FF group got significantly lower scores than the MF and FMF groups. In the FF group, the IWCS scores were significantly higher than the MF and FMF groups in coping styles with excessive preoccupation with thoughts and social withdrawal. A significant positive correlation was found between the ISS total score and the IES-R total scores.