Relationship Between Dyadic Coping with Anxiety and Depression in Infertile Couples: Gender Differences and Dyadic Interaction

Abstract

Background This study aims to examine the relationship between anxiety and depression and dyadic coping in infertile couples, exploring gender differences and dyadic interactions in these associations. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 288 couples recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University between November 2021 and November 2022. The Dyadic Coping Scale, Anxiety Scale, and Depression Scale were utilized to measure dyadic coping, anxiety, and depression, respectively. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model was used to analyze the actor effect and partner effect. Results Wives exhibited significantly higher anxiety and depression scores compared to husbands (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in dyadic coping between wives and husbands. Positive dyadic coping in infertile couples had significant actor effects on anxiety and depression ( p <0.05) and partner effects ( p <0.05). Positive dyadic coping negatively predicted anxiety and depression of oneself and one’s partner. Negative dyadic coping in infertile couples also had significant actor effects on anxiety and depression ( p <0.05) and partner effects ( p <0.05). Negative dyadic coping positively predicted anxiety and depression of oneself and one’s partner. Conclusion The dyadic coping style of infertile couples has both actor and partner effects on their own and their partner’s anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression in infertile couples are influenced by their own and their partner’s dyadic coping style, respectively. Therefore, dyadic coping serves as an important indicator for predicting psychological outcomes in these couples.