Understanding psychological adjustment in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome
: a systematic review and longitudinal study

Student thesis: Doctoral ThesisDoctor of Clinical Psychology

Abstract

Background: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH) is a female reproductive disorder characterised by the absence of the uterus, cervix and vagina. Limited research has examined factors related to psychological adjustment in MRKH. This study aimed to (1) explore associations between illness representations, self-concept and psychological adjustment (operationalised as psychological distress and self-esteem) in MRKH, and (2) examine changes in illness representations and self-concept, and how these related to adjustment outcomes, over a 12-month period.

Method: 263 participants with MRKH (age 16-74) completed validated online self-report measures at baseline; 73% completed the same measures 12 months later. Data were collected on clinical and demographic characteristics, self-concept, illness representations, social support-seeking, positive affect, and adjustment outcomes. Baseline associations between variables were explored in correlation and hierarchical regression analyses. Paired samples t-tests and hierarchical regressions were used to assess change over time, and factors that predicted adjustment at 12-month follow-up.
Date of Award1 Oct 2020
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • King's College London
SupervisorRona Moss-Morris (Supervisor), Marc Laufer (Supervisor) & Phaedra Thomas-Kowal (Supervisor)

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