Living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Qualitative Case Study Exploring Body Image, Self-concept, Coping Style, and Quality of Life

Description

Page: 364-368

Divya Singh and Tejinder Kaur (Department of Psychology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that many women struggle with, not just physically but also emotionally. It can affect how they see themselves, how they cope with daily life, and how they relate to others. The impact often goes beyond medical symptoms and touches deeper aspects of their personal and social experiences. The objectives of the study were to explore the lived experiences of women with PCOS and to understand how the condition impacts their body image, self-concept, coping mechanisms, and overall quality of life through an in-depth qualitative case analysis. A single case study design was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the psychological experiences of a woman living with PCOS. A detailed, semi-structured interview was conducted with the participant. Thematic analysis was used to interpret her narrative. The participant, Mira (pseudonym), openly shared her experiences of living with PCOS, highlighting the struggles she faced in accepting her body and the shifts in how she saw herself over time. She described the emotional journey of learning to manage her condition through different strategies while trying to live her everyday life. Despite the difficulties, Mira emphasized her efforts to protect her well-being and stay engaged with her life as best as she could. Four main themes were emerged from Mira’s narrative: (1) struggling with body dissatisfaction and concerns about appearance, (2) reconstructing self-concept in response to chronic health condition, (3) coping with uncertainty and emotional strain associated with PCOS, and (4) making efforts to preserve quality of life amid emotional and social challenges. The case study highlights that women with PCOS experience significant psychological and emotional challenges, including body image concerns, identity shifts, and emotional strain. Despite this, Mira’s resilience and a strong desire to maintain well-being emphasize the need for holistic support that addresses both physical and psychosocial aspects of the condition.