EMOTIONAL SENSITIVITY, SELF-COMPASSION AND WEIGHT DISSATISFACTION AS PREDICTORS OF PCOS RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, affecting approximately 4–18% of women worldwide. The prevalence of PCOS among Pakistani women is considerably higher than that reported in Western countries, reaching approximately 52% compared to 20–25% in the United Kingdom. Beyond its physical manifestations, PCOS is associated with significant psychological challenges that adversely affect women's quality of life.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between self-compassion, weight dissatisfaction, emotional sensitivity, and PCOS-related quality of life, and to determine whether these psychological variables predict quality of life among women diagnosed with PCOS.

Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed. A sample of 300 women diagnosed with PCOS, aged 18–40 years, was recruited from hospitals, clinics, healthcare institutions, and online platforms through social media. Participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale (α =.92), Body Image Dissatisfaction Scale (α = .88), Emotional Sensitivity Scale, and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life Scale (PCOSQOL) (α = .95). Of the total participants, 150 (50%) were married and 150 (50%) were unmarried, with a mean age of 29.16 years.

Results: Pearson correlation analysis revealed that emotional sensitivity was positively associated with weight dissatisfaction (p < .01), whereas self-compassion was negatively associated with emotional sensitivity and weight dissatisfaction and positively associated with PCOS-related quality of life (p < .01). Multiple regression analysis indicated that weight dissatisfaction and low self-compassion significantly predicted poorer quality of life (p < .01). Furthermore, significant differences were observed between married and unmarried women across the study variables (p < .01).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that women with higher emotional sensitivity and greater weight dissatisfaction experience poorer quality of life, whereas higher levels of self-compassion are associated with better psychological adjustment and improved quality of life. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-compassion while reducing body image concerns and emotional sensitivity may improve the overall wellbeing of women living with PCOS.