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

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.