The Role of Psychological Well-being in Shaping Marital Closeness and Life Satisfaction Among Women Using Different Methods of Fertility Regulation
Abstract
Study Objective: This study aims to demonstrate the extent to which fertility regulation methods differentiate psychological well-being, marital closeness, and life satisfaction among Polish women of married and reproductive age. Furthermore, the study examines the extent to which psychological well-being and marital closeness influence life satisfaction among these women. Method: The study included Polish-born women aged 22–45 (M = 36.9) who were married at the time of the study. Fifty-nine participants were women using the natural method of fertility control, and fifty-four were women using contraception. The following research tools were used: the Psychological Well-Being Scale, the Spousal Closeness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results: Women using natural fertility control methods achieved similar scores on psychological well-being factors as those using contraception, but higher scores on marital closeness factors. In the group of women using natural fertility control methods, the relationship between psychological well-being and closeness was stronger than in women using contraception. Regression models showed a higher level of explained variance in marital closeness and life satisfaction by psychological well-being in women using natural fertility control methods than in women using contraception. Conclusion: Analyzing this issue can help develop educational programs for young couples, addressing the psychological dimensions of contraceptive methods and their potential impact on quality of life and relationships. It can also aid in educating family counselors, psychologists, and psychotherapists. It may also prove helpful in conducting informational and educational campaigns presenting natural contraceptive methods as a modern approach that can support not only fertility management but also the quality of the marital bond.
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