The impact of dispositional optimism on symptoms and treatment choices in patients with pelvic floor disorders

Lior Lowenstein, Olga Ramm, Elizabeth Mueller, Linda Brubaker, Mary Pat FitzGerald, Joel Lopez, Kimberly Kenton*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: The objective of this study is to evaluate dispositional optimism, pelvic floor disorder symptoms, and treatment decisions. Methods: Scores of the Life Orientation Test-Revised were used to categorize women seeking clinical treatment for pelvic floor disorders as pessimists (scores in lowest third) or optimists (scores in highest third). Participants also listed their treatment goals and quantified pelvic floor symptom severity by completing the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20). We compared symptoms, goals, and treatment choices between optimists and pessimists. Results: Three hundred sixteen patients were included, 31% pessimists and 38% optimists. Pessimists reported more goals and different types of treatment goals. Pessimists were also more likely to elect surgical treatment over more conservative treatment methods, although this trend did not reach statistical significance. Among patients with prolapse (≥stage 2), PFDI-20 prolapse subscale scores were inversely correlated with level of optimism, with pessimists reporting a higher level of bother than optimists. Conclusions: In our study, pessimists reported more treatment goals, were more bothered by prolapse symptoms, and tended to be more likely to choose surgical treatments for their pelvic floor disorders than optimistic women.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)295-298
Number of pages4
JournalInternational Urogynecology Journal
Volume23
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2012

Keywords

  • Dispositional optimism
  • Life orientation test
  • Patient goals
  • Pelvic floor disorders

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Urology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The impact of dispositional optimism on symptoms and treatment choices in patients with pelvic floor disorders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this