The Effect of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy on Self-concept of Infertile Women

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.