Exploring people's stories of psychologically informed vulvodynia care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A narrative analysis exploring people living with vulvodynia's journey through psychologically-informed services and how this shapes their understanding of the diagnosis
IRAS ID
347272
Contact name
Anna Olsen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 28 days
Research summary
Vulvodynia is a primary pain condition that affects the female external genitalia. Literature suggests that vulvodynia may affect up to 16% of women in their lifetime (Harlow & Stewart, 2003). Implications of living with vulvodynia include negative body image, stigma, mistrust and isolation as well as difficulties with emotion regulation and romantic relationships (Niedenfueher et al., 2023). In addition, it is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression (Ferraz et al., 2023).
Given these psychosocial barriers and evidence that psychosocial factors are associated with pain (Chisari et al., 2020), there is a role for clinical psychologists to provide interventions and inform care. This in line with guidelines from the British Society for the Study of Vulval Diseases Guideline Group who encourage a combination of treatments and the involvement of multiple health professionals (Mandal et al., 2010). However, there is currently no qualitative research exploring women's accounts of psychologically-informed care within the UK.
This study will explore women’s stories of their journey through psychologically-informed care which will be analysed using qualitative methodology. In order to take part, women over the age of 18 must have received a formal diagnosis (can be currently living with the diagnosis or have experienced it in the past). Participants must have received a psychologically informed intervention approach to care. Interviews will take part online and last between 60 and 90 minutes.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EM/0052
Date of REC Opinion
16 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion