Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Delinda E. Mercer

Abstract

Endometriosis is an incurable chronic illness impacting 190 million women worldwide. Despite the prevalence of this painful disease, research addressing how it affects Black women in the United States was limited. Research addressing this phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic was further limited. The purpose of this qualitative study employing an interpretative phenomenological analysis was to understand the mental health of Black women with endometriosis-related symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and how having the illness during the pandemic might have impacted individuals in this population. The strong Black woman schema and biopsychosocial model were the theoretical foundations for the study. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with eight Black women with endometriosis. Four major themes emerged from coding and thematic analysis: health, life with endometriosis, the U.S. health care system, and the nature of being a Black woman in the United States. Findings may be used to enhance awareness of Black women’s experiences with endometriosis while facing cultural stigmas, systemic disparities, COVID-19 restrictions, and other barriers. Findings could also encourage positive social change through increased funding for endometriosis research and resources to educate providers, raise public awareness, and provide culturally appropriate support and treatment for Black women.

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