The Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Training on Perceived Stress, Body Image Distress, and Quality of Life Among Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Keywords:
Self-compassion training, perceived stress, body image distress, quality of life, polycystic ovary syndrome, womenAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of self-compassion training on perceived stress, body image distress, and quality of life among women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Methods and Materials: The present study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up, including an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population consisted of women with polycystic ovary syndrome who referred to gynecology and endocrinology clinics in Tehran, Iran. A total of 30 eligible women were selected through purposive sampling and assigned to two groups of 15 participants. The experimental group received eight weekly sessions of self-compassion training, while the control group received no psychological intervention during the study period and remained on the waiting list. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale, the Body Image Concern Inventory, and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests.
Findings: The results showed a significant time effect, group effect, and time × group interaction for perceived stress, body image distress, and quality of life. The interaction effect was significant for perceived stress (F = 37.18, p < .001, η² = .571), body image distress (F = 42.91, p < .001, η² = .605), and quality of life (F = 45.73, p < .001, η² = .620). Bonferroni comparisons showed that the experimental group had significant reductions in perceived stress and body image distress and a significant increase in quality of life from pre-test to post-test and from pre-test to follow-up, while no significant changes were observed in the control group.
Conclusion: Self-compassion training was effective in reducing perceived stress and body image distress and improving quality of life among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The stability of changes at follow-up suggests that self-compassion training can be used as a supportive psychological intervention in care programs for this population.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Nino Beridze (Author); Reza Ahmadi; Lina Khoury (Author)
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