a comparison of stress reactions, coping styles, subjective well-being and its sub-scales in fertile and infertile women

background: infertility is described nearly universally as an extremely stressful condition with enduring effects on the marriage as well as each partner’s well-being. the present study was done to compare stress reactions, coping styles, subjective well-being and its sub-scales in fertile and infertile women. materials and methods : this analytic cross-sectional study enrolled 120 women (60 fertile and 60 infertile). the stress symptoms questionnaire, coping inventory of stressful situations-short form and subjective well-being questionnaire were administered as assessment tools. results: our results demonstrated significant difference among infertile and fertile women in stress reactions, coping strategies and subjective well-being. infertile women reacted more than fertile women emotionally, cognitively and behaviorally. infertile women used more emotion-oriented coping methods. infertile and normal subjects differed significantly in terms of emotional, psychological and social well-being. conclusion: given the psychological consequences of infertility which may exaggerate the course and cause delayed treatment responses, psychological interventions seem to be clinically warranted.