Survey study, 2007
Do women who experienced abuse have more severe premenstrual symptoms?
Yes. Women with a history of abuse report more severe PMS, especially pain and water retention. Stress partially explains this but accounts for only 24% of the effect.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 91 college women aged 18 to 25 about their history of abuse, perceived stress levels, and severity of premenstrual symptoms.
What they found
44% of women reported a history of abuse (including sexual, physical, or both). Women with abuse history rated premenstrual affect symptoms, pain and water retention higher than those without. Stress was related to both abuse and symptom severity. Stress accounted for 24% of the relationship between abuse and premenstrual symptom severity.
What it means for you
Past abuse is associated with worse premenstrual symptoms. Stress is part of the explanation but not the whole story; other psychological factors may be involved. The study is limited by its small size and inclusion of only college students.
44%
with history of abuse
24%
of variance explained by stress
About the study
- Original title
- Abuse history and premenstrual symptomatology: assessing the mediating role of perceived stress
- Authors
- Lustyk MK, Widman L, Becker Lde L
- Journal
- Women & health
- Year
- 2007
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 91
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1300/j013v46n04_04
Topics
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