Relationships between paranoid thinking, self-esteem and the menstrual cycle

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Women's Health

Background:

• Menstrual cycle phases are associated with various psychological and physiological changes.
• Paranoid experiences and self-esteem fluctuations can impact interpersonal relationships and overall well-being.
• Understanding menstruation-related distress is crucial for effective mental health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cyclical nature of paranoid experiences and self-esteem levels throughout the menstrual cycle.
• To examine the relationship between perceived deservedness of persecution and self-esteem.
• To explore the potential of psychosis-related frameworks in understanding menstruation-related distress.

Main Methods:

• Online surveys administered to 278 women across their menstrual cycle.
• Assessment of anxiety, depression, persecution, deservedness, and self-esteem.
• Comparative analysis of responses during the paramenstrual and mid-cycle phases.

Main Results:

• Elevated levels of persecution, negative self-esteem, anxiety, and depression were observed during the paramenstrual phase compared to mid-cycle.
• Positive self-esteem was lower during the paramenstrual phase.
• A higher incidence of perceived deservedness of persecution occurred at the paramenstrual phase, correlating with increased depression and negative self-esteem.
• Perceived deservedness significantly moderated the association between persecution and negative self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• The paramenstrual phase represents a vulnerable period characterized by heightened paranoid experiences, increased self-reported deservedness of persecution, and diminished self-esteem.
• Interpersonal sensitivities appear to be significant factors in menstrual cycle symptoms and their impact on relationships.
• Psychosis-informed approaches may offer valuable insights for understanding and managing menstruation-related psychological distress.