Author: Jannat Fazal
Supervisor: Humaira Naz
Degree: BS
Year: 2010-2014
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The current study was conducted to investigate the relationship among illness perception, intolerance of uncertainty and quality of life in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Further aim was to assess the difference in illness perception, intolerance of uncertainty and quality of life between married and unmarried women. It was hypothesized that there would likely be a relationship between illness perception, intolerance of uncertainty and quality of life, there would likely be a predictive relationship between illness perception, intolerance of uncertainty and quality of life and that there would likely be a difference in married and unmarried women in their perception of illness, intolerance of uncertainty and quality of life. Data were collected from 100 diagnosed PCOS women with an age (M= 24.72, SD=5.99), including married (n= 45, M= 28.96, SD= 5.68) and unmarried (n= 53, M= 21.32, SD= 3.52) from government and private hospitals in Lahore. Purposive sampling strategy was used with correlation research study method. The instruments used included Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R; Morris, Petrie & Weinman, 2002), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-short (IUS-12; Carleton, Norton & Asmundson, 2007), and WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF; WHOQOL Group, 1995). The correlation analyses showed a significant negative relation of timeline, consequences, timeline cyclical and emotional representation with the domains of quality of life. Positive Illness perception had significant positive relationship between treatment control, illness coherence and the domains of quality of life. Intolerance of uncertainty subscales had significant negative correlation with the domains of quality of life. Timeline and timeline cyclical (IPQ-R) came out as strongest predictors of physical health related quality of life. Treatment control, illness coherence and emotional representation related illness perceptions were the strongest predictors of psychological health related quality of life. Emotional representation illness perception, Prospective anxiety and Inhibitory anxiety type of uncertainty emerged as strongest predictors of Social relationships related quality of life. Timeline, Illness coherence, and Emotional representation appeared as strongest predictors of environment related quality of life. Independent sample t-test revealed that unmarried women had better quality of life as compared to married women. Research findings have etiological significance in understanding the beliefs of women regarding their illness, uncertainty and quality of life. Findings will help the mental health professionals to extend psychological counseling to PCOS women regarding their illness and its collateral effects and to devise interventions to reduce uncertainty and negative beliefs related to their problem.
Keywords: : Illness perception, Intolerance of Uncertainty, Quality of life, Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Visit University to get the full thesis.
Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
