Cohort study, 2014
Is rumination linked to PMS and PMDD?
Yes. Rumination was strongly linked to both PMS and PMDD in both studies using past reports and daily tracking. The relationship was consistent across different ways of measuring premenstrual symptoms.
What they did
Study 1 looked at 735 women who reported their PMS history using retrospective questionnaires. Study 2 followed 85 women with PMS, PMDD, or no premenstrual disorder for 60 days while tracking symptoms daily. All participants answered questionnaires about rumination, anxiety, and coping styles.
What they found
Rumination was strongly related to premenstrual disorders in both studies. This held true whether researchers looked at past reports or daily tracking, and whether they classified symptoms as categories or measured them on a scale.
What it means for you
Rumination, a tendency to repeatedly think about problems and feelings, may contribute to how PMS and PMDD develop or persist. Study 1 used retrospective reports which can be biased. Study 2 tracked daily, which is more reliable. Longitudinal research is needed to determine if rumination causes worse symptoms.
735
women in retrospective study
85
women in daily tracking study
60 days
daily tracking period
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual disorders and rumination
- Authors
- Craner JR, Sigmon ST, Martinson AA et al.
- Journal
- Journal of clinical psychology
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 735
- What was tested
- Rumination and coping measurement
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22007
Topics
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