Self-estee m in crisis: Psychosocial adaptation and masculine identity among Chinese men with azoospermia

Fangliang Zou, Jue Li, Yi Fang, Jiliang Huang, Zikai Feng, Hang Shi, Yu Lan, Yang Zhang, Ruiyun Chen and Yanshan Lin

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Background: Azoospermia affects 1% of men and 10–20% of infertile males, yet the psychosocial mechanisms underlying self-esteem impairment remain poorly characterized. Guided by Connell’s Masculinity Theory and Bury’s Biographical Disruption Framework, this mixed methods study examined self-esteem experiences among Chinese men with azoospermia. Methods: An explanatory sequential design was employed. Phase 1 surveyed 216 men using Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, with multiple regression identifying predictors. Phase 2 involved semi-structured interviews with 16 purposively sampled participants, analyzed through thematic analysis. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings provided comprehensive interpretation. Results: Quantitative analysis revealed moderate self-esteem overall (mean = 30.18 ± 3.99), with 10.19% exhibiting low self-esteem. Significant predictors included monthly income (β = 0.210, p

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0338811

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0338811

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