A case study perspective on psychological outcomes after female genital mutilation

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still performed throughout Africa and in a few countries of Asia and the Middle East, aff ecting over 100 million females worldwide. It includes procedures that intentionally injure female external genital organs for non-medical reasons, and can have deleterious consequences for the physical, psychological and sexual lives of its victims. This paper presents three case studies illustrating the psychological and sexual consequences of FGM. Data were gathered about child and family history, employment, medical and psychiatric history, and the genital mutilation experienced. Self-report measures of self-esteem, mental health status and sexual life were also administered. The results obtained highlight the need for European professionals to develop greater knowledge about FGM and its serious consequences, especially as regards sexuality. This is particularly important given the large numbers of immigrant women now residing within EU countries.