Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
12-2025
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Julia C Dodd
Committee Members
Stacey L Williams, Aubrey R Dueweke
Abstract
Individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face an increased risk of poor perinatal health, yet little is known about whether negative healthcare experiences contribute toward these outcomes. Patients with PCOS have reported experiencing invalidation by healthcare providers; however, the effects of these encounters in postpartum populations remain unclear. Using data from an online survey, the current study investigated whether PCOS status moderated the relationships between invalidating communication by healthcare providers, pregnancy and birth complications, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety. While experiences of invalidating communication by healthcare providers predicted worse perinatal health, those with PCOS solely experienced an increased risk of pregnancy and birth complications. The mediating effect of medical mistrust on these relationships within an isolated sample of PCOS parents was also examined and found to be non-significant. The current study highlights the need for healthcare providers to engage in patient-centered care, especially when working with postpartum and PCOS individuals.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Venkat, Shalini, "Exploring the Impacts of Medical Invalidation on Postpartum Parents with PCOS" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4618. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4618
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
