Hospital Practices and Research

The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Self-Concept in Infertile Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Fahimeh Zarean
Ali Sheykholeslami
Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi
Ali Rezaei Sharif

Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30491/hpr.2024.463467.1434
Abstract
Background: Infertility is a significant psychosocial stressor associated with adverse mental health outcomes. Given the intricate link between mental health and self-concept, enhancing self-concept may be crucial for improving overall well-being among infertile women.
Objectives: The present study aimed to enhance self-concept in infertile women through Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a three-wave (pre-test, post-test, 45-day follow-up) assessment and two groups: experimental and control. To conduct the research, 40 infertile women referring to the Isfahan Infertility and Infertility Center in 2023 were selected conveniently based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. The participants completed the Beck Self-Concept Test in three stages of pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. The experimental group participated in an eight-week MBCT intervention, consisting of one 90-minute session per week. The control group received no intervention during this period. Data were subjected to repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS-24.
Results: The findings indicated that MBCT significantly improved self-concept in infertile women in the social skills dimension (P <0.01). The significant improvement in self-concept, particularly in the social skills dimension, suggests that MBCT can be a helpful intervention for this population.
Conclusion: Infertility-related social isolation and diminished self-concept may be ameliorated through MBCT. This study demonstrates that MBCT can enhance social interaction skills in infertile women, thereby positively influencing their overall self-concept. These results support MBCT as a beneficial approach for enhancing the mental health of women facing infertility.

Keywords

Mindfulness
Cognitive Therapy
Self-Concept
Infertility
Women
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Hospital Practices and Research
Volume 9, Issue 1 - Serial Number 33
Winter 2024
Pages 430-436

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