Page No 129-139.
Nyanbeni Murry and Lovika P. Shikhu
Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema
The consequence of infertility is not just a medical disorder but it affects all facets of
mental health which has left unnoticed over the years. The study aims to assess the
relationship, influence and effects on infertility stigma, perceived stress and gratitude
among infertile women which are important facets of psycho-emotional well-being. 80
infertile women were recruited using purposive sampling, responded to the Infertility
Stigma Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Gratitude Questionnaire. Results showed
infertility stigma was negatively correlated with gratitude and positively associated with
perceived stress. Regression analyses revealed that infertility stigma significantly predict
both perceived stress and gratitude. Furthermore, analysis on differences showed that
infertile women who were housewives, rural residents, undergraduates with prolonged
duration of infertility treatment reported higher levels of infertility stigma than those
infertile women who were employed, urban residents, post graduates and those who
had undergone infertility treatment for a shorter duration. This study highlights the
profound impact of infertility stigma on the mental health of women undergoing fertility
treatment. The findings emphasize the need for targeted psychosocial interventions to
address infertility related stigma, reduce stress and foster positive emotional attributes
like gratitude for vulnerable groups