Predicting Stress Based on Resilience with Emotion Regulation as a Mediating Factor Among Infertile Women

Abstract

This study aimed to predict stress based on resilience, considering the mediating role of emotion regulation among infertile women. This applied study used a descriptive-correlational design (path analysis). The statistical population comprised all women visiting infertility centers in Tehran during the first half of 2024. Using convenience sampling, 200 infertile women meeting inclusion criteria were selected. Data were collected using the Harry Stress Questionnaire (2011), the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (2003), and the John & Gross Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (2003). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 and AMOS version 26 with path analysis. The results indicated that emotion regulation mediated the relationship between resilience and stress among infertile women. Resilience had both direct and indirect effects on stress reduction through emotion regulation. Model fit indices (CFI = 0.910, RMSEA = 0.072, GFI = 0.908) confirmed a good fit. Standardized path coefficients revealed significant negative relationships between resilience and stress (β = -0.271, p < 0.01) and between emotion regulation and stress (β = -0.271, p < 0.01). Resilience reduces stress directly and indirectly through enhanced emotion regulation among infertile women. These results highlight the need to integrate resilience-building and emotion regulation training into psychological interventions to alleviate stress in this population.