Self-stigma and social support as predictors of well-being of women facing primary infertility: The mediating role of gender identity concern

The present study aimed to examine the mediating effect of gender identity concern in the relationship between self-stigma and perceived social support on the one hand, and subjective well-being on the other. The sample included 161 women facing primary infertility who reported on their own life satisfaction, positive and negative feelings, gender identity concern, self-stigma, and social support. Results showed that the relationship between self-stigma and positive feelings was fully mediated via gender identity concern. Self-stigma had a direct and indirect effect on negative feelings, via gender identity concern. Furthermore, self-stigma and social support of a special person/family had a direct effect on life satisfaction. Social support of a special person/family had a direct and indirect effect on positive feelings, via gender identity concern. Gender identity concern mediated the relationship between social support of a special person/family and negative feelings. The obtained results indicate the importance of social context and gender identity in understanding the mental health of women facing infertility.