Social Control Experiences Among Individuals With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most commonly occurring endocrine disorder among those with ovaries during reproductive age. Those with PCOS often face a wide range of stigma, including from their loved ones, due to the visible symptoms of PCOS (i.e., excess body weight and facial/body hair than typically expected for bodies of those assigned female at birth; Williams, 2023). Research on social control states that often family and close others may encourage healthier behaviors but are likely viewed as stigma as well (Rook, 2011). The present investigation, which was part of a larger online survey study entitled “PCOS Stories Study” and was approved by the ETSU IRB, examined social control experiences in 77 individuals with PCOS. Close-ended survey items using Likert scaling gauged how often particular social control efforts by loved ones occurred (Lewis & Rook, 1999). Additionally, participants responded to an open-ended item asking them to recall a time when a loved one urged them to change health behaviors (e.g., to lose weight). Three undergraduate research assistants, with supervision by the Primary Investigator, used reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clark, 2022) to qualitatively code responses to the open-ended question. Thematic analysis resulted in three central themes Behavioral Manipulation, Psychological Offense, and Healthism. Participants were also asked to share the way they felt about being on the receiving end of social control behaviors. Responses were largely negative emotions. The most commonly reported emotions were shame and sadness, followed by guilt and anger. These findings further support the idea that though social control behaviors by loved ones may be intended to help those with PCOS, individuals receiving that "help" respond negatively.
Start Time
16-4-2025 2:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 3:30 PM
Room Number
271
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
UG Orals
Presentation Category
Social Sciences & Business
Faculty Mentor
Stacey Williams
Social Control Experiences Among Individuals With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
271
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most commonly occurring endocrine disorder among those with ovaries during reproductive age. Those with PCOS often face a wide range of stigma, including from their loved ones, due to the visible symptoms of PCOS (i.e., excess body weight and facial/body hair than typically expected for bodies of those assigned female at birth; Williams, 2023). Research on social control states that often family and close others may encourage healthier behaviors but are likely viewed as stigma as well (Rook, 2011). The present investigation, which was part of a larger online survey study entitled “PCOS Stories Study” and was approved by the ETSU IRB, examined social control experiences in 77 individuals with PCOS. Close-ended survey items using Likert scaling gauged how often particular social control efforts by loved ones occurred (Lewis & Rook, 1999). Additionally, participants responded to an open-ended item asking them to recall a time when a loved one urged them to change health behaviors (e.g., to lose weight). Three undergraduate research assistants, with supervision by the Primary Investigator, used reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clark, 2022) to qualitatively code responses to the open-ended question. Thematic analysis resulted in three central themes Behavioral Manipulation, Psychological Offense, and Healthism. Participants were also asked to share the way they felt about being on the receiving end of social control behaviors. Responses were largely negative emotions. The most commonly reported emotions were shame and sadness, followed by guilt and anger. These findings further support the idea that though social control behaviors by loved ones may be intended to help those with PCOS, individuals receiving that "help" respond negatively.