EATING ATTITUDES, BODY IMAGE AND SELF ESTEEM AMONG WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
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Date
0023-06-12
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KINNAIRE COLLEGE PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the differences in eating attitudes, body image
and level of self-esteem among women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
(PCOS). PCOS is a very complicated endocrine disorder, making it difficult and
tough to diagnose in routine clinical practice even though it is quite common. This
study was a cross-sectional research. A total of 142 women participated, out of which
71 women were diagnosed with PCOS, selected from a gynecology clinic through
purposive sampling strategy and 71 women were without PCOS matched on age and
marital status. Age range of the participants were 17-36 years (M= 21.73, S.D= 3.96).
Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI) and
Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale were used to collect data from participants. Data was
analyzed by using IBM SPSS 25. Independent Sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U
test were used for analysis of data. Results of the study indicated that there was
significant difference between women with and without PCOS regarding eating
attitudes (Dieting, Bulimia & Food Preoccupation and Oral Control), body image and
self-esteem. Women with PCOS scored high on eating attitudes and body image
which showed more disordered eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction among them.
Women with PCOS scored low on self-esteem scale which showed low level of
esteem among them as compared to non-PCOS. The study has implications for mental
health workers, psychologists, sociologists, physician, gynecologists and community
workers to better understand the syndrome and to design appropriate interventions
and protective factors for women with PCOS