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The premenstrual syndrome. A psychological evaluation
Journal of Affective Disorders
|December 1, 1980
Summary
Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) exhibit higher
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Women's Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects many women, impacting their quality of life.
- Understanding the psychological underpinnings of PMS is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify psychological factors differentiating women with PMS from controls.
- To investigate specific psychological traits and attitudes associated with PMS.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 25 women with PMS to 23 asymptomatic controls.
- Assessment using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI-B).
- Evaluation of attitudes using the 'Role Acceptance Scale'.
Main Results:
- Women with PMS showed significantly higher 'trait' anxiety (STAI) and 'neuroticism' (EPI-B).
- PMS sufferers reported more negative attitudes towards their bodies, genitals, sex, and masturbation.
- Both groups shared negative attitudes toward menarche and menses.
Conclusions:
- Specific psychological factors, including higher anxiety and neuroticism, differentiate women with PMS.
- Negative body image and attitudes towards sexuality are associated with PMS.
- Further research into psychological interventions for PMS is warranted.