The Effect of Spiritual Health on Psychological Distress of Infertile Women:  The Role of Perceived Social Support as a Mediator

Faride  Ensafdaran; Mahmoud  Nejabat; Soudabeh  Sabetian; Bahia Namavar  Jahromi; Fatemeh  Hemmati

doi:10.18502/jri.v25i4.18127

Faride Ensafdaran Research Center of Quran, Hadith and Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Mahmoud Nejabat Research Center of Quran, Hadith and Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Soudabeh Sabetian Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Bahia Namavar Jahromi Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Fatemeh Hemmati Fatemieh Institute of Higher Education, Shiraz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jri.v25i4.18127

Keywords: Infertility, Perceived social support, Psychological distress, Spiritual health.

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the model of spiritual health in relation to psychological distress among infertile women, with perceived social support as a mediator.

Method: In this study, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed. The study population included all infertile women in Shiraz from which a sample of 250 individuals was selected using a targeted sampling method. The research data were collected by Spiritual Health questionnaire developed by Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences; Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21); and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS software.

Results: The results demonstrate that the direct impact of spiritual health on psychological distress and perceived social support was statistically significant. Furthermore, a significant indirect effect of spiritual health on psychological distress was identified through perceived social support.

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, it may be beneficial to address aspects of spiritual health and social support to alleviate psychological distress among infertile women.