Peer-reviewed article
The Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation on Psycho-Social Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research
Sarah O’Neill, Christina Pallitto ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This systematic review examined qualitative research on how female genital mutilation affects women's and girls' psycho-social well-being. The authors reviewed 23 qualitative studies from countries where FGM is practised and diaspora countries to understand the social and psychological impacts beyond physical health consequences. The review identifies how FGM affects women's identity, self-esteem, and social participation. The work aims to provide a framework for understanding the less visible psychological and social harms of the practice.
Key points
- Few systematic reviews have previously addressed the psycho-social impact of FGM on well-being
- Evidence of social consequences of FGM is described as more intangible than physical health consequences
- Twenty-three qualitative studies were included in the systematic review
- FGM affects women's sense of identity, self-esteem, and participation in society
- The review covers impact in both countries where FGM is originally practised and in diaspora communities
Limitations
The document is a title and abstract only, so it does not provide detailed findings, methodology, or analysis. We cannot determine which specific psycho-social impacts were most commonly reported or the strength of evidence for different consequences.
Abstract
The health consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) have been described previously; however, evidence of the social consequences is more intangible. To date, few systematic reviews have addressed the impact of the practice on psycho-social well-being, and there is limited understanding of what these consequences might consist. To complement knowledge on the known health consequences, this article systematically reviewed qualitative evidence of the psycho-social impact of FGM in countries where it is originally practiced (Africa, the Middle East, and Asia) and in countries of the diaspora. Twenty-three qualitative studies describing the psycho-social impact of FGM on women's lives were selected after screening. This review provides a framework for understanding the less visible ways in which women and girls with FGM experience adverse effects that may affect their sense of identity, their self-esteem, and well-being as well as their participation in society.