Comparing Emotional Contagion and Empathy in Women with and without PCOS: Implications for Mental Health and Social Functioning

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with multifaceted implications, extending beyond reproductive health to psychological and emotional domains. This study investigated differences in emotional contagion and empathy between women diagnosed with PCOS and women without the condition. A purposive sample of 100 women (50 with PCOS, 50 without) aged 18–35 years participated in the study. Emotional Contagion and Empathy were measured using the Emotional Contagion Scale (ECS) and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), respectively. A between-group comparative design was employed, and data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test due to non-normal distribution. Results revealed no statistically significant differences in empathy or emotional contagion between the two groups (p > .05). These findings challenge the assumption that PCOS universally disrupts socio-emotional processing and highlight the role of individual coping mechanisms, psychological resilience, and social context. The study underscores the need for personalized psychological interventions and calls for further research to explore mediating variables and hormonal influences on emotional regulation in women with PCOS.