Self-concept in the diethylstilbestrol daughter

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Endocrinology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen.
• In utero exposure to DES has been linked to various health issues.
• The long-term psychological effects on women exposed in utero require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychological impact of in utero diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure on young women.
• To compare self-concept in DES-exposed women versus age-matched controls.

Main Methods:

• Utilized psychologic inventories: Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, Adjective Check List, Who Am I Test, Wyeth's Self-Satisfaction Ladder, Draw Yourself Test.
• Conducted semi-structured personal interviews.
• Compared 25 DES-exposed women with 25 age-matched controls.

Main Results:

• DES-exposed subjects differed significantly in Defensiveness, Nurturance, and Affiliation (p ≤ .05).
• DES subjects omitted or obscured body parts, especially sexual characteristics, in the Draw Yourself Test (p = .001).
• Women with physical sequelae reported lower life satisfaction (p = .05); no other self-concept differences were found.

Conclusions:

• Young women exposed to DES in utero may use denial to cope with exposure.
• Physicians should be aware of potential psychological impacts, including concerns about fertility and cancer.
• Further research is needed as more data emerge on fertility and male DES exposure.