Exploring the psychological effects of endometriosis : a qualitative study

Christy Joy Bennie
2010 · W1607307257
dissertation OA: green CC0
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Abstract

Endometriosis is a pervasive, widespread disease that affects millions of women \nworldwide. The number of women affected by endometriosis is increasing at a \nstaggering rate. Endometriosis impacts women in a variety of ways; it often gradually \nstrips away their resistance to pain, their emotional strength, their concept of \nfemininity and their ability to cope with challenges. This study aimed to provide a \nvoice for women diagnosed with endometriosis. The study allowed the participants to \nshare their experiences from diagnosis through to treatment and to explain the ways in \nwhich endometriosis influences their daily lives. In this research report the \npsychological impact of this disease is discussed, and factors that are not currently \naddressed by medical professionals treating women with endometriosis are \nhighlighted. \nSocial constructionism provided the theoretical framework for the study. One-on-one, \nin-depth interviews were conducted with five women who have been diagnosed with \nendometriosis by a gynaecologist through means of laparoscopic surgery. The method \nof analysis involved thematic network analysis. \nThe participants’ narratives were converted into interview transcripts. These \ntranscripts were analysed by the researchers and themes were identified. Themes that \nrepeated were elaborated and were linked to available literature. \nThe researcher hopes that this dissertation will contribute to existing knowledge \nregarding the psychological effects of endometriosis. It is hoped that it will help both \nthe medical community and future and existing patients understand this disease and \nthe effect that it has on the lives of women around the world, but particularly the lives \nof women in South Africa.

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endometriosis

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