It is a problem and it is not a problem

This qualitative study aimed to explore the psychological effects of female genital cutting in the United Kingdom within a systemic psychological framework. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 women who had experienced female genital cutting. Four key themes emerged from thematic analysis of the data: (1) wholeness contested, (2) sexuality milestones and female genital cutting awareness, (3) salvaging family relationships and (4) for our own good. Findings highlight the importance of recognising the relational nature of how women perceive the psychological effects of female genital cutting and how these reactions are negotiated in their social sphere

Biology · Developmental psychology · Female circumcision · Gynecology · Human sexuality · Qualitative research · Sex organ · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues · Genital Health and Disease · Medicine · Psychology · Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies · Gender Studies · Social Psychology

• A qualitative metasynthesis on the sexual health of women who have undergone female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) living in western countries

  Open Access•Emmanuelle Gareau, André Dufour et al.•SSM - Qualitative Research in…•2025

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• Use of machine learning methods to understand discussions of female genital mutilation/cutting on social media

  Open Access•Gray Babbs, Roberto Cueto et al.•PLOS Global Public Health•2023

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• Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

  Wafa Elamin, Amanda J Mason-Jones•International Journal of Sexual…•2020

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• Female genital mutilation/cutting burden and perceptions among asylum-seeking women in Berlin, Germany

  Open Access•Muhammad Barghouth, E Kusi et al.•Journal of Migration and Health•2026

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• Sexually destroyed or empowered? Silencing female genital cutting in close relationships

  Open Access•Ingvild Bergom Lunde, Ragnhild Elise Brinchmann Johansen et al.•Culture Health & Sexuality•2021

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• The Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation on Psycho-Social Well-Being

  Open Access•Sarah O’neill, Christina Pallitto•Qualitative Health Research•2021

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• The relationship between dominant Western discourse and personal narratives of female genital cutting

  Open Access•Camilla Palm, Eva Elmerstig et al.•Frontiers in Sociology•2023

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• Social transitions in the perceptions of female circumcision by young women before and following immigration to Norway

  Open Access•Mona-Iren Hauge, Mona‐iren Hauge•Journal of Youth Studies•2024

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• I Can’t Blame Mum”

  Open Access•Rebecca J Newton, Jennifer Glover•Violence Against Women•2021

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• The effects of forgiveness therapy on depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress for women after spousal emotional abuse.

  Gayle L Reed, Gayle Reed et al.•Journal of Consulting and…•2006

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• Forgiveness, Health, and Well-Being

  Open Access•Everett L Worthington, Charlotte van Oyen Witvliet et al.•Journal of Behavioral Medicine•2007

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• Coping and chronic psychosocial consequences of female genital mutilation in the Netherlands

  Erick Vloeberghs, Anke Van Der Kwaak et al.•Ethnicity and Health•2012

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• Speaking for Themselves

  James Dudley, James R Dudley•Social Work•1987

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• Using thematic analysis in psychology

  Open Access•Braun, Virginia Braun et al.•Qualitative Research in Psychology•2006

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• Perceiving pervasive discrimination among African Americans

  Nyla R Branscombe, Michael T Schmitt et al.•Journal of Personality and Social…•1999

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