Coping Strategies and Psychological Resilience in Women with Infertility: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Infertility is a significant life stressor affecting millions of women worldwide, often leading to emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and feelings of loss and uncertainty. While much research has focused on the prevalence of anxiety and depression in infertile women, less attention has been given to the psychological resources that help women adapt to infertility. Coping strategies and resilience the capacity to maintain psychological well-being in the face of adversity play a critical role in moderating the emotional impact of infertility. Understanding these mechanisms can inform interventions aimed at enhancing mental health and supporting adaptive functioning among women facing fertility challenges. Despite growing interest, there is a lack of systematic synthesis on how coping strategies and resilience influence psychological outcomes in this population. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO for studies published from ۲۰۱۰ to ۲۰۲۵. Studies were eligible if they assessed coping strategies, resilience, or related psychological constructs among women with infertility using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches. Two independent reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment in accordance with PRISMA ۲۰۲۰ guidelines, with any disagreements resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Results: Out of ۱,۱۸۳ records identified, ۳۵ studies met inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that women employ a variety of coping strategies, including problem-focused coping (e.g., seeking medical information and treatment), emotion-focused coping (e.g., seeking social support, prayer, or mindfulness), and avoidance-based coping (e.g., disengagement or denial). Adaptive strategies, particularly active problem-solving and social support utilization, were consistently associated with higher resilience, better psychological well-being, and lower stress levels. Conversely, maladaptive strategies such as avoidance or self-blame were linked to increased emotional distress and reduced quality of life. Individual factors including personality traits, prior experiences, and cultural context moderated the effectiveness of coping mechanisms. Conclusion: Coping strategies and psychological resilience are key determinants of mental health outcomes among women with infertility. Interventions that foster adaptive coping and strengthen resilience may mitigate psychological distress and enhance quality of life. Healthcare providers should integrate resilience-building programs, counseling, and social support frameworks into fertility care. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and culturally tailored interventions to optimize coping and resilience in diverse populations of infertile women.

کلیدواژه ها:

infertility ، coping strategies ، resilience ، psychological well-being ، quality of life ، emotional distress