Prediction of Mental Health in Infertile Females based on Personality Traits and Time Perspective

Background: Infertility cannot be considered only as a disorder of organ function and other aspects of it should be considered as well. Objectives: The present study aimed to predict the mental health of infertile females based on personality traits and time perspectives. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study included all infertile females (20-40 years) who had been referred to the infertility center in Shahid Beheshti University of medical sciences in Tehran, Iran, in the autumn of 2019. In total, 300 infertile females were selected using the convenience sampling method. The research tools included Zimbardo Time Perspective Questionnaire (1991), Revised NEO personality inventory (Costa & McCrae, 2007), and General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg & Hiller, 2012). The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) through the multivariate regression statistical method. Results: The results showed that neuroticism (Beta=-0.12, P<0.001), extraversion (Beta=0.16, P<0.002), openness to experience (Beta=0.38, P=0.003), agreeableness (Beta=0.45, P=0.002), conscientiousness (Beta=-0.32, P=0.001), Past-Negative (Beta=-0.19, P=0.001), Past-Positive (Beta=0.16, P=0.001), Present-Hedonistic (Beta=0.92, P=0.002), Present-Fatalistic (Beta= 0.92, P=0.001), and future (Beta=0.43, P=0.002) were significant predictors of mental health in infertile females. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, personality traits, as well as time perspective, can predict the rate of mental health in infertile females to some extent. Therefore, it is suggested that females be educated about these concepts.