Predicting Commitment of Married Women based on Emotional Intimacy, Cognitive Flexibility, and Irrational Beliefs of Infertile Couples in Arak City in the 2021:A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Aim The present study aims to predict the commitment of infertile married women based on some cognitive and emotional variables. Background Marriage is the most important contract in every person's life. A marriage consists of several elements, such as commitment, marital satisfaction, and communication. In infertile couples, the values of their marriage and how much they want to maintain may be at risk. Objectives The present study wants to predict the commitment of infertile women based on emotional intimacy, cognitive flexibility, and irrational beliefs of infertile couples in Arak City in 2021. Methods The current research was conducted using a cross-sectional correlation method. Finally, 100 participants filled out the questionnaires. Convenience sampling was performed at Royan Infertility Clinic. The data were analyzed using t-test, Pearson and Chi-square tests. Results The results of the main outcome showed that higher levels of intimacy between couples lead to higher levels of commitment in married life (r=0.25, p=0.012). There is also an inverse relationship between couples' commitment and irrational beliefs in infertile couples, according to which more irrational beliefs lead to less commitment. However, there was no relationship between the commitment of infertile couples and psychological flexibility. Conclusion The marital commitment of infertile couples can be strengthened by increasing their intimacy and reducing their irrational beliefs.