P-567 The role of self-criticism in the relationship between infertility-related stress and anxiety and depression symptoms in women facing infertility

Abstract Study question Can self-criticism help to explain the relationship between infertility-related stress and anxiety depression symptoms in women facing infertility? Summary answer Women with higher presented also their attitudes this relationship. What is known already Infertility a demanding potentially stress-inducing medical condition, which can trigger women. Feelings of being inadequate, failing achieve major life goal, experiences shame might develop dysfunctional strategies such as attitudes. Self-criticism has been associated poor mental health outcomes. However, field infertility, role never explored. design, size, duration This cross-sectional study was conducted December 2021 March 2022. (in heterosexual relationship), having an infertility diagnosis and/or trying conceive for more than 12 months aged 18 45 years were invited participate study. Data collected through online platform, after dissemination on social media created specifically purpose, snowball strategy. Participants/materials, setting, methods The sample composed 130 women.Participants completed self-reported questionnaire including demographic, data, measures (COMPI), (FSCRS), (DASS-21). A mediation model using PROCESS used test whether mediated by self-criticism. Psychological support control variable since preliminary analyses revealed that multivariate effect Main results chance average 34 old majority married. Seventy-three percent had undergone fertility treatments most frequent unexplained female factor. About 30% psychological support. obtained models showed significant direct effects (b = .13, SE .05, p < .01) .30, .001), indicating levels are symptoms. Significant indirect identified (SE .02; IC de 95 % [.0167, .1124]) .05; [.0100, .0906]), showing be explained self-critical Limitations, reasons caution Due nature our sample, need interpreted caution. design does not allow draw causal directions; further longitudinal studies exploring these variables needed possible confounders. Studies men well. Wider implications findings work highlighted explaining aiming promote self-compassion contrast self-criticism) functional contribute better outcomes infertility. Trial registration number NA