Volume 22, Issue 3 (10-2026)
J Health Syst Res 2026, 22(3): 569-576 |
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Research code: IR.IAU.NAJAFABAD.REC.1403.068
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Alivand G, Moghimian M, Goli M. Investigating the Role of Social Support and Emotion Regulation in Predicting the Mental Health of Surrogate Mothers. J Health Syst Res 2026; 22 (3) :569-576
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1992-en.html
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1992-en.html
1- MSc Student, Department of Clinical Psychology, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing AND Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Development Research Center, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery AND Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Development Research Center, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing AND Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Development Research Center, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery AND Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Development Research Center, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
Abstract: (6 Views)
Background: The phenomenon of surrogate motherhood encompasses not only legal issues but also cultural, social, and psychological dimensions. Depression, anxiety, and a lack of support resources expose these women to negative emotions. Investigating the factors that affect the mental health of surrogate mothers can help prevent the development of mental health problems. Therefore, it is essential to identify these factors in order to implement effective interventions. This study was conducted to determine the role of social support and emotion regulation in the mental health of surrogate mothers.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among surrogate mothers attending four medical centers in Isfahan province. Participants who visited the centers in 2024 were invited to participate through direct contact at the centers, while those who attended between 2021 and 2024 were invited via telephone calls based on the inclusion criteria. Using the Cochran formula, a sample of 101 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed demographic questionnaires as well as assessments of social support, general health, and emotional control. Data were analyzed using AMOS and SPSS softwares.
Findings: Social support play a mediating role in predicting mental health based on surrogate mothers' emotion regulation. The effect of social support was 0.88, indicating a direct and significant impact on mental health. Emotion regulation also has a direct effect with an effect size of 0.73 and an indirect effect with an effect size of 0.57 on mental health. Among the components of emotion regulation, aggression control and benign control has the highest effects, each with an effect size of 0.81, while emotional inhibition has the lowest effect, with an effect size of 0.63. Among the components of social support, support from others has the highest effect, with an effect size of 0.76, and support from friends has the lowest effect, with an effect size of 0.68.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that social support and emotional regulation in surrogate mothers significantly affect their mental health. Therefore, it is essential to develop a supportive educational protocol to assist surrogate mothers in future research and to recommend its implementation to health policymakers.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among surrogate mothers attending four medical centers in Isfahan province. Participants who visited the centers in 2024 were invited to participate through direct contact at the centers, while those who attended between 2021 and 2024 were invited via telephone calls based on the inclusion criteria. Using the Cochran formula, a sample of 101 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed demographic questionnaires as well as assessments of social support, general health, and emotional control. Data were analyzed using AMOS and SPSS softwares.
Findings: Social support play a mediating role in predicting mental health based on surrogate mothers' emotion regulation. The effect of social support was 0.88, indicating a direct and significant impact on mental health. Emotion regulation also has a direct effect with an effect size of 0.73 and an indirect effect with an effect size of 0.57 on mental health. Among the components of emotion regulation, aggression control and benign control has the highest effects, each with an effect size of 0.81, while emotional inhibition has the lowest effect, with an effect size of 0.63. Among the components of social support, support from others has the highest effect, with an effect size of 0.76, and support from friends has the lowest effect, with an effect size of 0.68.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that social support and emotional regulation in surrogate mothers significantly affect their mental health. Therefore, it is essential to develop a supportive educational protocol to assist surrogate mothers in future research and to recommend its implementation to health policymakers.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
health Psychology
Received: 2025/01/28 | Accepted: 2025/08/2 | Published: 2026/10/7
Received: 2025/01/28 | Accepted: 2025/08/2 | Published: 2026/10/7
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