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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Mei Yee TangORCiD, Dr Gavin ClarkORCiD, Dr Suzanne MadgwickORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Despite the rise in discussions around fertility and reproductive health, recent evidence indicates that women's fertility awareness (FA) remains low, with many avoiding essential fertility-related information (FRI). Existing research has linked low awareness to demographic factors, yet psychological and behavioural determinants have received less attention. This study, therefore, explores the influence of coping strategies (avoidant and problem-focused) on FRI-seeking and avoidance behaviours and their effect on FA. A cross-sectional survey gathered data from 216 UK-based female participants aged 18-68 (M = 31.69, SD = 10.42), measuring demographics, FA, FRI-seeking and avoidance, and coping strategies. Data underwent multiple regression and moderation analyses. The average FA score was 17.87/29 (62%). FRI-seeking positively predicted FA (p < 0.001), while FRI-avoidance negatively predicted FA (p < 0.001). Avoidant coping significantly predicted increased FRI-avoidance (p < 0.001), moderating the relationship between FRI-avoidance and FA (p < 0.001). Problem-focused coping significantly predicted FRI-seeking (p < 0.001), moderating the relationship between FRI-seeking and FA (p < 0.001). Results suggest that coping strategies influence motivation to seek and avoid FRI. Future FRI and fertility education should be tailored to suit women's coping strategies to facilitate active engagement, which may enhance awareness and support more informed fertility decision-making.
Author(s): Smith CM, Tang MY, Clark G, Madgwick S
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Human Fertility
Year: 2025
Volume: 28
Issue: 1
Online publication date: 24/04/2025
Acceptance date: 30/03/2025
Date deposited: 12/05/2025
ISSN (electronic): 1742-8149
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/14647273.2025.2488759
DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2025.2488759
Data Access Statement: The Data that supports the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, SM, upon reasonable request.
PubMed id: 40270369
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