Survey study, 2014
Do sexist attitudes and beliefs about menstruation affect how much women experience PMS symptoms?
Yes, women with stronger traditional gender role beliefs reported more mood and concentration-related PMS symptoms. Beliefs about menstruation linked to sexism appear to influence how severe some PMS symptoms feel.
What they did
106 Mexican women completed three questionnaires: one measuring sexist attitudes (both protective and negative views of women), one about beliefs and attitudes toward menstruation, and one about PMS symptoms across physical, mood, and concentration areas.
What they found
Women with protective sexism (limiting but positive views) had more positive attitudes about menstruation but believed women should avoid certain activities during their period. Women with hostile sexism (negative views) rejected menstruation and felt embarrassed. Beliefs and attitudes toward menstruation predicted mood and concentration symptoms, but not physical symptoms like cramping or bloating.
What it means for you
Cultural attitudes and sexism may make PMS mood and concentration symptoms feel worse. Changing negative beliefs about menstruation could help reduce these symptoms. This was only studied in Mexico, so findings may be different in other cultures.
106
Mexican women surveyed
About the study
- Original title
- Ambivalent sexism, attitudes towards menstruation and menstrual cycle-related symptoms
- Authors
- Marván ML, Vázquez-Toboada R, Chrisler JC
- Journal
- International journal of psychology : Journal international de psychologie
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None - survey study of attitudes and symptoms
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1002/ijop.12028
Topics
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