The Effect of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy on Self-concept of Infertile Women
Ziba Raisi Dehkordi, Masoumeh Alidosti, Marzie Reisi
Journal of Multidisciplinary Care August 24, 2026 DOI: 10.34172/jmdc.1405 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 90 |
| Population | Infertile women attending Hazrat Zahra Infertility Center and affiliated healthcare centers in Shahrekord, Iran |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 2-month follow-up |
| Measures | Rogers' Self-concept Inventory |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Infertility Self-concept Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Women Mental health |
| Key findings | MBCT significantly improved self-concept scores in infertile women compared to a control group, with effects sustained at 2 months post-intervention (P<0.001). |
Abstract
Introduction: Infertility is a major life stressor that can significantly impact women’s psychological well-being. One of the comprehensive indicators of mental health is self-concept. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on the self-concept of infertile women.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2020 among infertile women attending Hazrat Zahra Infertility Center and affiliated healthcare centers in Shahrekord, Iran. A total of 90 women were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=45) and control (n=45) groups. Prior to the intervention, all participants completed a two-part questionnaire including demographic data and the validated Rogers’ Self-concept Inventory. The intervention group participated in eight 2-hour sessions of MBCT. Both groups completed the questionnaire again immediately and 2 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, employing Chi-square and repeated measures ANOVA tests.
Results: There were no significant differences in self-concept scores between the groups at baseline. However, the intervention group showed significantly higher self-concept scores both immediately and 2 months after the intervention compared to the control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Group-based MBCT effectively improved self-concept in infertile women. These findings suggest that MBCT can serve as a cost-effective and accessible psychological intervention, potentially improving mental health outcomes and complementing conventional infertility treatments.