---
title: Does self-actualization change during the menstrual cycle? | Niyora
description: One study found women's self-actualization scores were higher during menstruation than mid-cycle, but the sample was very small and the measurement is complex
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/periodicity-and-self-actualization-in-women-1977/
---

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- Does self-actualization change during the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 1977

# Does self-actualization change during the menstrual cycle?

One study found women's self-actualization scores were higher during menstruation than mid-cycle, but the sample was very small and the measurement is complex, so we cannot be sure this applies broadly.

 Early or limited evidence

160 high school students (20 premenstrual, 20 menstrual, 20 mid-cycle)

## What they did

Cross-sectional classroom study. 160 high school students completed a self-actualization test (Personal Orientation Inventory). Researchers divided them into groups based on whether they were premenstrual, menstrual, or at mid-cycle, with 20 students in each group.

## What they found

The menstrual group had significantly higher self-actualization scores than the mid-cycle group (p < .02). The difference between menstrual and premenstrual groups was not statistically significant but moved in the same direction.

## What it means for you

This small 1977 study suggests cycle phase may affect how self-actualized women feel, but the concept and test are difficult to understand and apply to real life. The small groups mean the results may not apply to other populations.

160

high school students

20

in each cycle phase group

p < .02

significance for menstrual vs mid-cycle

## About the study

Original title Periodicity and self-actualization in women Authors Niesz NL Journal Journal of clinical psychology Year 1977 Study design Survey study Participants 160 What was tested None. Observed natural cycle phase differences. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1002/1097-4679(197710)33:4 3.0.co;2-g](https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-4679(197710)33:4 3.0.co;2-g)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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