Survey study, 2026
Do mindfulness, self-compassion and sense of coherence protect against severe PMS and PMDD?
Possibly yes. These psychological factors appeared to reduce the impact of stress and trauma on PMS and PMDD symptoms.
What they did
A cross-sectional study with two parts: a retrospective survey of 228 women and a prospective follow-up of 90 women. Researchers tested whether self-compassion, mindfulness skills and sense of coherence reduced the harmful effect of trauma and stress on PMS and PMDD symptoms using correlation and moderation analysis.
What they found
All measured variables were significantly correlated. Self-compassion, four out of five mindfulness skills, and sense of coherence moderated (reduced) the relationship between stress and premenstrual disorders. Only two mindfulness skills moderated the effect of trauma on PMS symptoms: Non-Judging in the retrospective measure and Describing in the prospective part.
What it means for you
Having self-compassion, mindfulness skills and a sense of coherence may help reduce PMS and PMDD severity, especially when women face stress. A more understanding, mindful and compassionate attitude towards yourself may help. However, this is observational and not a controlled trial. The sample is small and causation is unclear.
228
women in retrospective part
90
women in prospective part
4 of 5
mindfulness skills reduced stress effect on PMS
About the study
- Original title
- The buffering role of sense of coherence, mindfulness skills and self-compassion in premenstrual disorders: Findings from a general sample
- Authors
- Antosz-Rekucka R, Prochwicz K
- Journal
- Psychology and psychotherapy
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 228
- What was tested
- None - psychological factors were assessed
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/papt.70093
Topics
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