My body is out to wreck everything I have’
A qualitative study of how women with endometriosis feel about their bodies
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 14832864 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jacqueline Mills (0000-0002-5490-6321, Deakin University, corresponding author), ChellChih Shu (Psychology, Counselling, and Psychotherapy, The Cairnmillar Institute, Hawthorn East, VIC, Australia), Roseanne Misajon (0000-0001-8785-2094, Psychology, Counselling, and Psychotherapy, The Cairnmillar Institute, Hawthorn East, VIC, Australia), Georgia Rush-Privitera (Monash University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 285-303 |
| Publication date | 2025-02-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Psychology & Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0887-0446 • E-ISSN: 1476-8321 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/08870446.2023.2218404 |
| PMID | 37248670 |
| OpenAlex | W4378745591 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 35 |
OBJECTIVE: There is a distinct lack of research regarding the relationship with the body in women with endometriosis, despite the condition involving significant changes to appearance and impaired bodily functionality. The current study aimed to understand how women with endometriosis feel about their body. METHODS AND MEASURES: Participants completed an online survey with open-ended questions on how they feel about their body, physical appearance, and level of daily functioning. RESULTS: Responses from 315 women with endometriosis were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, generating three themes: 1) 'It makes me feel broken and inadequate' (Sense of being defective); 2) 'I feel like I'm in a war with it' (Sense of conflict); and 3) 'I feel like my body isn't mine; it's out of control' (Sense of alienation). CONCLUSION: The findings provide support for the notion that the relationship between the body and sense of self is particularly problematic for women with endometriosis and warrants therapeutic intervention. Future research should verify the efficacy of appreciation and self-compassion-based interventions for people with endometriosis
Aesthetics · Art · Endometriosis · Gynecology · Endometriosis Research and Treatment · Medicine · Menopause: Health Impacts and Treatments · Music Therapy and Health · Psychology
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| Citations per year | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2024 - 2026 (3) |
| Highly cited | No |