Dorlin-Alessandra Vasile, Florinda Golu

Evaluation of anxiety, perceived stress and coping styles in women’s first gynecological examination

Introduction

Evaluation of anxiety, perceived stress and coping styles in women’s first gynecological examination. Explore anxiety, perceived stress, and coping styles in women's first gynecological examinations. Discover how higher anxiety and stress correlate with dysfunctional avoidance strategies.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the dynamic between anxiety, perceived stress and copying styles during women’s first gynecological examination. A total of 113 women aged between 18 and 53 years (M=26.63, SD=10.40) were selected through convenience sampling. The instruments used in this study were the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, the N1 Anxiety Scale from the IPIP-Ro, and the Ways of Coping Scale. The results revealed a moderate positive correlation between perceived stress and anxiety, showing that higher anxiety is directly related to higher levels of perceived stress. Both variables were positively associated to dysfunctional coping strategies, such as avoidance. Overall, these findings suggest that increased anxiety and stress may lead to a more negative experience of the first gynecological visit and a stronger tendency to use an avoidance coping strategy. This study contributes to the existing literature by exploring how anxiety, stress and coping styles interact during women’s first gynecological visit, suggesting that a negative experience can lead to a less adaptive stress-management strategy.

Review

This study tackles a highly relevant and often anxiety-provoking experience for many women: their first gynecological examination. The authors' objective to explore the interplay between anxiety, perceived stress, and coping styles in this specific context is commendable and addresses a significant gap in understanding patient psychological experiences in women's health. The use of established instruments with a sample of 113 women provides a foundational insight, revealing a moderate positive correlation between perceived stress and anxiety, and linking both to dysfunctional coping mechanisms such as avoidance. Overall, the research offers a valuable contribution by shedding light on the psychological dimensions that can profoundly influence a crucial medical encounter. The strengths of this work lie in its focused approach to a universal female health experience and its clear identification of key psychological variables. By demonstrating that higher anxiety and stress are associated with a greater tendency to employ maladaptive coping strategies, the study provides a compelling argument for addressing these emotional factors proactively. This direct link to avoidance coping is particularly insightful, as it suggests a potential barrier to future healthcare engagement. The findings are significant for clinical practice, indicating a clear need for healthcare providers to recognize and mitigate anxiety and stress in order to facilitate a more positive experience and encourage adaptive coping behaviors during first-time gynecological visits. While offering valuable insights, some methodological considerations and areas for future exploration can be identified. The reliance on convenience sampling, as stated, may limit the generalizability of the findings beyond the specific population studied. Furthermore, while the abstract refers to a "dynamic interaction," the reported results primarily describe correlations, which do not establish causality. Future research could benefit from a more diverse sample, a longitudinal design to track changes and outcomes over time, or qualitative methods to provide richer contextual understanding of women's experiences and coping rationales. Nevertheless, this study lays important groundwork, providing a robust rationale for developing targeted interventions and communication strategies to enhance the patient experience and foster better long-term health seeking behaviors.

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