Publication:

Exploring self-esteem, body perception, stress and emotional regulation in women with PCOS: a comparative study of women with PCOS and the general population

Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, often associated with physical symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, and weight fluctuations, which may impact psychological well-being. Prior research suggests potential psychological consequences including low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, stress, and emotional regulation difficulties.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 women aged 18–45 years (51 with PCOS and 51 without), recruited from gynecology clinics, online forums, and universities. Participants completed standardized psychological measures: the General Health Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Body Shape Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, and Emotional Regulation Scale. Independent samples t-tests and Pearson correlations were performed to assess between-group differences and variable interrelations.

Results Findings revealed that women with PCOS reported significantly more negative body image and higher perceived stress compared to controls. No significant differences were found in self-esteem or emotional regulation. A significant negative correlation between emotional regulation and stress was observed among women with PCOS, indicating that better emotion regulation is linked to lower perceived stress.

Conclusions The results emphasize the need for psychological support interventions targeting stress management and body image among women with PCOS. Although self-esteem and emotional regulation did not differ significantly between groups, improving emotional regulation may help manage stress. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs and include diverse samples to better understand psychological resilience and causal relationships in PCOS populations.