Impact on Self-Concept in Students with PCOS at UDELAS, Panama

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder of multifactorial etiology that affects a significant percentage of women of reproductive age. This condition can lead to various physical and psychological repercussions that influence how women perceive themselves. In Panama, there are few studies analyzing the relationship between PCOS and self-concept. The objective of this study was to assess self-concept in undergraduate Psychology students at the Specialized University of the Americas diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. Methodology: A quantitative study with a pre-experimental pretest– posttest design was conducted. The sample consisted of 30 students over 18 years of age. For data collection, the Female Self- Concept Scale for PCOS (SC-PCOS) was designed and applied, consisting of 30 Likert-type items that evaluate different dimensions of self-concept. Subsequently, a psychoeducational intervention program composed of ten sessions was implemented, aimed at strengthening participants’ self-perception and emotional well-being. Results: The pretest yielded a mean of 93.73 (SD = 12.84), and the posttest a mean of 99.53 (SD = 9.37). Statistically significant differences were found between both measurements, t(29) = -2.34, p = .027, indicating an increase in self-concept following the intervention. The effect size was d = -0.43, indicating a moderate effect. Conclusion: It is concluded that the psychoeducational intervention significantly contributed to strengthening self-concept, highlighting the importance of addressing psychological aspects in women with PCOS.