title: Exploring the psychological impact of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome on young women: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.
abstract: This study explored five young women's experiences of living with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser to offer a unique insight into the social challenges of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser in the transition to adulthood. Non-directive semi-structured interviews took place within the National Health Service settings, and transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four inter-related themes were identified: hindering independence, a sensitivity to difference, managing intimacy and managing threat to identity. The women managed their presentation to others in order to minimise the impact of their diagnosis. Recommendations for further research and implications for services are noted.
authors.affiliation: NHS Ayrshire and Arran, UK carolyn.patterson@aapct.scot.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Carolyn J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.affiliation: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, UK.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.affiliation: University of Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jahoda
mesh_terms: D058489:46, XX Disorders of Sex Development / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009095:Mullerian Ducts / Q000002:abnormalities*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adolescence; clinical health psychology; gender; interpretative phenomenological analysis; stigmatisation