PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MARITAL INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS UNDER CONDITIONS OF REPRODUCTIVE DIFFICULTIES

Abstract

The article presents a theoretical analysis of the psychological aspects of marital interpersonal relationships under conditions of reproductive difficulties. Infertility is considered not only as a medical condition but also as a psychosocial crisis that affects the emotional well-being of both partners, the quality of marital relationships, and family functioning. Based on an analysis of contemporary Ukrainian and international studies, the paper systematizes current approaches to understanding the psychological consequences of reproductive difficulties and identifies the factors contributing to the preservation of constructive marital relationships.

The study characterizes the main psychological consequences of infertility, including emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and family-system manifestations. Particular attention is paid to psychological distress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, reduced self-esteem, communication difficulties, and changes in marital interaction. It is emphasized that successful psychological adaptation largely depends on the personal and interpersonal resources of both partners.

The analysis identifies four groups of psychological factors supporting constructive marital relationships: individual, dyadic, family-system, and social. Individual factors include resilience, emotional regulation, adaptive coping, self-efficacy, optimism, and tolerance of uncertainty. Dyadic factors comprise positive dyadic coping, emotional support, trust, effective communication, and joint decision-making. Family-system factors include cohesion, flexibility, shared values, and coordinated responsibility, while social factors involve support from relatives, healthcare professionals, psychological counseling, and peer support groups.

The findings demonstrate that constructive communication, positive dyadic coping, family resilience, and social support promote psychological adaptation, reduce distress, and strengthen marital relationships. The results may serve as a theoretical basis for developing psychological support programs for couples experiencing reproductive difficulties.