Date of Submission

2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

First Advisor

Alexa Bonacquisti, PhD

Second Advisor

Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

Third Advisor

LeeAnn Tanaka, DO

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrine disorder affecting 15–20% of women of reproductive age (Krug et al., 2019). Characterized by hyperandrogenism, irregular menstrual cycles, and ovarian cysts, PCOS is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and infertility (Correa et al., 2015). These complications can significantly diminish women’s quality of life. This study investigated the relationship between women’s knowledge of PCOS health outcomes, providers’ use of lifestyle management interventions, and quality of life. A cross-sectional survey design was used, and participants completed the PCOS Quality of Life Scale (Williams et al., 2018). It was hypothesized that greater knowledge of PCOS outcomes would be associated with higher quality of life, and that women whose providers emphasized lifestyle management would report better quality of life compared to those who did not receive such guidance. In addition, age was hypothesized to correlate positively with the subscales of Hirsutism and Mood, and negatively with Impact of PCOS and Infertility. Results revealed no association between knowledge and quality of life, and no differences in quality of life between women who received lifestyle management and those who did not. However, age was significantly related to mood, infertility, and the impact of PCOS. These findings suggest that concerns shift across the lifespan, highlighting the need for age-sensitive approaches to clinical care. The results provide practical implications for healthcare professionals and psychologists seeking to improve psychoeducation, collaborative intervention, and ultimately the well-being of women living with PCOS.

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