Non-randomised trial, 1986
Does what a woman is told about PMS change how severe her symptoms feel?
Women told PMS comes from societal myths reported less negative mood and fewer symptoms compared to other groups. All women actually showed better task persistence and more positive interactions with their children during the premenstrual phase compared to mid-cycle.
What they did
51 mothers of preschoolers were assigned to three groups. One group received information about biological causes for mood changes, one received information attributing symptoms to psychological causes from societal myths, and one received no information. Mood, cognitive function, and mother-child interaction were assessed during mid-cycle and the premenstrual phase.
What they found
The psychological group lowered their symptom expectations and reported less negative mood premenstrually and fewer symptoms at the end of the month. The other two groups reported no change in symptoms and greater premenstrual negative mood than the psychological group. All three groups demonstrated greater task persistence and more positive mother-child interaction during the premenstrual phase.
What it means for you
Expectations about PMS may influence how severe symptoms feel. The finding that all groups showed better mood and parenting during the premenstrual phase contradicts typical expectations. The study is small, not randomized, and short-term, which limits confidence in the results.
51
mothers of preschoolers
3
information groups tested
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual tension, expectancy, and mother-child relations
- Authors
- Fradkin B, Firestone P
- Journal
- Journal of behavioral medicine
- Year
- 1986
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 51
- What was tested
- Information about the cause of PMS (biological, psychological myths, or none)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/bf00844772
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2016
Does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy reduce PMS, depression and anxiety?
Cohort study, 2010
How do anxiety disorders differ across different life stages?
Systematic review, 2025
Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS?
Survey study, 2026
How does PMS affect test anxiety in nursing students?
Randomised trial, 2024
Can stress inoculation training reduce anxiety, depression, and stress in students with PMS?
Randomised trial, 2024
Do positive psychology and physical activity help PMS symptoms?