Issues of identity, perceptions and isolation: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of women’s experience of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome

Gilfillan, Rebecca and Carter, Pelham (2023) Issues of identity, perceptions and isolation: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of women’s experience of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Journal of Health Psychology. ISSN 1359-1053

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the personal experience of women with MRKH, a rare condition characterised by congenital abnormalities of the genital tract. There are very few qualitative studies into the lived experiences of women with MRKH. Interviews were conducted with 13 women with MRKH and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four superordinate themes are discovered: maintaining a viable female identity; acceptance and coping; normality, secrecy and shame and the isolating impact of a lack of knowledge amongst the medical profession. This study also suggests that societal ideals of a ‘normal woman’ are influencing how MRKH impacts on the self-experienced psychological health. It is suggested that the psychological wellbeing of women with MRKH could be improved with continued multidisciplinary support beyond the initial diagnosis and alongside any vaginal correction.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1177/13591053231199253
Dates:	Date Event 28 July 2023 Accepted 28 September 2023 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	amenorrhoea, disorders of sexual development, identity, interpretative phenomenological analysis, MRKH
Subjects:	CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-01 - psychology (non-specific)
Divisions:	Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Psychology
Depositing User:	Pelham Carter
Date Deposited:	05 Oct 2023 12:10
Last Modified:	11 Jun 2024 13:02
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/14799

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