Date of Conferral

10-22-2026

Date of Award

October 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Benita Stiles-Smith

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with elevated depression rates among women of reproductive age. Although research has linked PCOS to psychological distress, limited research has examined how physical symptoms relate to depression severity. This quantitative, cross-sectional correlational study examined the relationships among acne severity, menstrual irregularity, body mass index (BMI), and depression severity in women with self-reported PCOS. The study was guided by the biopsychosocial model, stress-vulnerability model, feminist theory, and client-centered care model. An anonymous online survey measured depression severity using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, assessed acne severity and menstrual irregularity through self-report items, and calculated BMI from self-reported height and weight. The final sample included 80 participants, with 79 included in the BMI analyses. Spearman’s rank-order correlations were used for acne severity and menstrual irregularity, Pearson’s correlation was used for BMI, and multiple linear regression assessed the variables' combined predictive value. None of the predictors were significantly associated with depression severity, and the regression model was not statistically significant. However, 65.1% of participants reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, suggesting that depressive symptoms were common within the sample but were not explained by the selected physical symptoms. Social change implications include supporting the integration of routine mental health screening into PCOS care to promote earlier identification of depressive symptoms, timely referral for behavioral health services, and improved quality of life, regardless of the severity of patients’ physical symptoms.

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