Conference presentation
Isolated, compromised and ‘damaged goods’: examining endometriosis and personal relationships within online discussion forums
Australasian Society for Behavioural Health and Medicine (ASBHM 2026) (Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, 11/02/2026–13/02/2026)
12/02/2026
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Abstract
Background: Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological and inflammatory condition where lesions and tissue similar to uterine lining grow into other parts of the body. The condition affects one in ten people of reproductive age and is the third leading cause of non-fatal disease burden for females in Australia. Endometriosis can disrupt interpersonal relationships, including friendships, family, colleagues, and intimate partners. Qualitative research has examined the impacts of endometriosis on relationships. However, very few studies examine in detail how these impacts are presented in online discussion forums.
Method: This study examined how people on Reddit describe the effects of endometriosis on their relationships, and how endometriosis is positioned within personal relationships. A template analysis with a priori codes sourced threads for examination. Reflexive thematic analysis, informed by positioning theory, was then conducted on 20 Reddit threads comprising 725 posts.
Results: Three themes were identified: Unnecessary Compromises in Relationship Management, Discrepancies Between Perceiving Illness and Person and Adopting Educator Roles in Relationships. Results highlighted increased use of online forums to discuss endometriosis-related changes in relationships.
Conclusion: The integration of positioning theory identified the roles that can be attributed to relationships, such as the ‘Illness Role’, the ‘Supporter Role’ and the overall role of the relationship when experiencing endometriosis. This study expands on current evidence on experiences of endometriosis and emphasises the importance of ongoing research to increase understanding and awareness of the condition.
Details
- Title
- Isolated, compromised and ‘damaged goods’: examining endometriosis and personal relationships within online discussion forums
- Creators
- Madison Bambach - Southern Cross UniversitySally Sargeant - Southern Cross University
- Conference
- Australasian Society for Behavioural Health and Medicine (ASBHM 2026) (Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, 11/02/2026–13/02/2026)
- Identifiers
- 991013353373202368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference presentation