The association between emotional maturity and domestic violence among infertile women
International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare
ISSN: 2056-4902
Article publication date: 13 April 2022
Issue publication date: 28 June 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to determine the relationship between emotional maturity and domestic violence in infertile women.
Design/methodology/approach
The cross-sectional study was conducted on 184 infertile women. Demographic questionnaire, Emotional Maturity Scale and domestic violence questionnaire were used to collect data. The Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the data.
Findings
More than 50% of the women in the study experienced domestic violence, and about the same percentage of them had unstable emotional maturity. The total score of domestic violence and its types were significantly related to the women’s emotional maturity (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the significant relationship was found between domestic violence with Spouse's education level (primary/secondary) [OR = 0.25 (0.09–0.66)] and emotional maturity (unstable) [OR = 3.59 (1.83–7.02)].
Social implications
The overall prevalence of infertility in Iran was 7% in 2021. Furthermore, although infertility is a problem among couples, most of its social burden lies with women. In a number of developing countries, as well as in Iran, childbearing is perceived as a social value for married women. Therefore, infertile women are at risk for depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, dissatisfaction and reduced quality of life.
Originality/value
This study found that half of the surveyed women experienced domestic violence. Women’s emotional immaturity, as well as their spouses’ lower education level and type of occupation, were highly correlated with women’s experience of domestic violence. To help prevent domestic violence among couples, there should be couple training classes to improve women’s emotional maturity.”
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences.Authors’ contributions: OF and AA were involved in study concept and design. SM and MH were involved in acquisition of data. OF, HM and KhR were involved in analysis and interpretation of data. OF and AA were involved in drafting of the manuscript and amendments suggested by other authors. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.This article is the result of a medical student thesis with the same name supported by the research council of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. The research team would like to thank all the women who participated in this study.
Citation
Afkhamzadeh, A., Mahmoodi, H., Rahmani, K., Mohammadi, S., Haghshenas, M. and Faraji, O. (2023), "The association between emotional maturity and domestic violence among infertile women", International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 137-145. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHRH-09-2021-0173
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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