A randomized feasibility trial evaluating the "My Changed Body" writing activity for people with endometriosis

Taryn Lores*, Christa Kwok, Jacqueline Mills, Kerry Sherman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Body image disturbance is prevalent in people with endometriosis. This study aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the My Changed Body (MyCB) writing activity for body image in people with endometriosis.

DESIGN: Two-arm randomized controlled pilot and feasibility study.

METHODS: Australian adults living with endometriosis who identified as having had a negative endometriosis-related body image experience were recruited online through Endometriosis Australia. Participants completed a baseline survey capturing demographic and health data before being randomized into the MyCB or control writing conditions. Additional assessment was administered post-activity and at 1-week follow-up.

RESULTS: A total of 82 participants were recruited and randomized (M age  = 32 years, SD = 7.8). MyCB participants were less likely to complete the writing tasks compared to the control group (51% vs. 83%); MyCB completers had lower self-compassion and quality of life, and higher psychological distress, compared to those who dropped out. The MyCB activity received good satisfaction rates (47%-87%). However, there was significant drop-out in the MyCB group (n = 4 vs. 13 at 1-week follow-up). Limited-efficacy testing showed an increase in the self-compassion self-identification for the MyCB group.

CONCLUSIONS: The MyCB writing activity may be feasible for people with endometriosis. A future larger trial will benefit from several methodology changes to enhance recruitment and retention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12622000496718; Date: 29/3/2022; retrospectively registered.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1017-1030
Number of pages14
JournalBritish Journal of Health Psychology
Volume29
Issue number4
Early online date26 Aug 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2024

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2024. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • body image
  • endometriosis
  • feasibility
  • intervention
  • self-compassion

Cite this