Socialization and social context: Influence on perimenstrual symptoms, disability, and menstrual attitudes

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of socialization and exposure to a stressful milieu on women's experiences of perimenstrual symptoms, related disability, and menstrual attitudes. Women (N= 179) from 18 to 35 years of age were interviewed using the Index of Sex Role Orientation, Schedule of Recent Events, Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire, and Menstrual Attitudes Questionnaire. Path analysis was used to assess models based on Mechanic's concept of illness behavior for negative affect, pain and water retention symptoms during the perimenstruum. Exposure to a stressful milieu was useful in explaining cyclic, recurrent symptoms. Socialization and exposure to a stressful milieu were more useful in explaining negative affect than pain or water retention symptoms. Socialization and exposure to a stressful milieu are not as important in understanding disability as is the severity of symptoms, but socialization influences menstrual attitudes.