DETERMINATION OF MEN’S PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND STYLES OF COPING WITH STRESS IN COUPLES RECEIVING INFERTILITY TREATMENT

Problem statement: Infertility can be considered a life crisis. Since it concerns couples, it is thought that men should be included more in studies on the psychosocial effects of infertility.

Methods: This study, in which a descriptive research design was used, was conducted to determine men’s perceived social support and styles of coping with stress in couples receiving infertility treatment. Data were collected at the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Center and IUI Unit of the Infertility Clinic of a hospital in Ankara Province. The sample consisted of 115 men who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Styles of Coping with Stress Scale (SCSS).

Results: The mean score on the total MSPSS was found as 56.57±17.36. The mean scores on the sub-dimensions of the SCSS were found as 16.43±3.71 on the self-confident approach, 10.75±3.19 on the optimistic approach, 6.97±2.28 on the social support-seeking approach, 9.61±4.53 on the helpless approach, and 7.21±3.86 on the submissive approach. In the study, a significant positive correlation was determined between the MSPSS and its sub-dimensions and self-confident and optimistic approaches and between the perceived social support from family and friends and the social support-seeking approach (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It is recommended that of the couples applying for infertility treatment, men should be evaluated for social support levels and styles of coping with stress, provided with approaches to increase their social support, taught effective methods of coping with stress, and supported for their use.

Keywords: Coping with stress, infertility, male, social support, stress