Abstract

This study examines how experiences with infertility relate to mental health outcomes among newly married U.S. couples, emphasizing gender differences and the potential moderating role of gender attitudes. Using data from 3,137 individuals in a nationally representative sample, three Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were estimated: first assessing actor and partner effects of infertility on depressive symptoms and subsequently incorporating gender attitudes as moderators. Results indicated a significant actor effect for wives, where infertility was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, and this association was significantly stronger for wives than for husbands. No significant effects were found for husbands' infertility and their depressive symptoms. Moderation analyses also found no significant effect of gender role attitudes, likely due to limited variability in reported ideologies. These findings highlight the importance of considering infertility as a gendered experience, suggesting a need for longitudinal research that integrates broader dimensions of gender and explores how couple dynamics are related to mental health over time.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/