The Validation of the English version of the Endometriosis-Related Stigmatization Questionnaire and the Association of Stigma with Body Satisfaction and Sexual Satisfaction

Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disease that affects around 10% of women of childbearing age. Typical symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia. Those affected report experiences of stigmatisation, in particular that their pain is not taken seriously or is dismissed as ‘normal’ in both a medical and social context. Stigmatisation is associated with reduced quality of life and lower self-esteem. In addition, a connection between stigmatisation and body dissatisfaction as well as sexual dissatisfaction has been proven for other chronic diseases. However, there is a lack of empirical data on endometriosis, which is necessary to understand the psychosocial consequences of stigmatisation. The aim of the study is to translate the Endometriosis Stigma Scale into English and to test its psychometric properties in order to enable international application. In addition, the extent to which stigmatisation moderates the relationship between body satisfaction and sexual satisfaction will be investigated. To this end, individuals affected by endometriosis will complete standardised questionnaires online. Socio-demographic variables will be collected to control for inter-individual differences.