Examining the Relationship between Cloninger’s Personality Dimensions, Pain Perception, Treatment Adherence, and Emotion Dysregulation in Women with Endometriosis: A Network Analysis Approach

This study aimed to examine the relationship between Cloninger’s personality dimensions, pain perception intensity, treatment adherence, and emotion dysregulation in women with endometriosis. This applied, cross-sectional research with a quantitative approach was conducted on a convenience sample of 180 women diagnosed with endometriosis. Data were collected using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-56), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Data were analyzed using R software and the BOOTNET package through psychological network analysis. The results indicated that high harm avoidance and low self-directedness were significantly associated with higher pain perception and greater emotion dysregulation, and played an important role in predicting treatment adherence. Network analysis revealed a complex structure of interrelations and identified central nodes such as emotion dysregulation and persistence. These findings suggest that personality traits and emotion regulation play a central role in the psychological experiences of patients. Therefore, designing individualized interventions that focus on improving emotional regulation and modifying maladaptive personality traits may contribute to enhancing patients’ quality of life. The insights from this study can be valuable in developing more effective treatments and improving psychological outcomes for women with endometriosis.