The BEKind Study: Psychological Wellbeing of Women with Endometriosis

The primary aim of this study is to conduct an online longitudinal study over six months to determine the extent to which women with endometriosis experience body image disturbance, and delineate other psychological factors (such as self-compassion, anxiety and depression, quality of life and sexual distress) associated with changed body image. A secondary aim includes mapping and exploring the trajectories of psychological distress over time. The following outcomes will be assessed: 1. Demographics – age, gender/sex, height, weight, BMI, country of birth, education level, relationship status, employment status, medical and obstetric history, endometriosis symptoms, date of diagnosis and stage. 2. Endometriosis Health Profile Questionnaire (EHP-30) – a 30-item scale which assesses the impact of endometriosis on physical, psychological and social aspects of life using a 5-point Likert scale 3. Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) – a 26-item scale which assesses the extent to which participants treat themselves kindly – six subscales with items rated on a Likert scale from 1 (almost never) to 5 (almost always) 4. Body Image Scale (BIS) – a 10-item scale which measures body image distress as well as cognitions and behaviours pertaining to body image and function. 5. Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) – A 13-item scale which is a commonly utilised measure of positive body image 6. Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) – A validated and commonly used measure for anxiety and depression. Participants are asked to rate the extent to which they agree with statements such as “I find it hard to wind down” on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = Never, 3 = Almost always). 7. Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R ) – a 12-item questionnaire which measures aspects of sexual distress using a 4-point Likert scale (0=Never, 4 =Always). 8. SF-36 Measure for Psychological Distress – a 36 item questionnaire measuring psychological distress We will follow up participants at Baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months follow-up to analyse change over time.