Relationship between the NEO Personality Inventory Revised neuroticism scale and prospectively reported negative affect across the menstrual cycle

Abstract

Previous research has suggested a possible link between neuroticism and premenstrual symptom changes. Results, however, are difficult to interpret given methodological problems such as retrospective reporting of premenstrual symptoms, and failure to control for the generalized influence of neuroticism on psychosomatic symptomatology. The present study aimed to address these issues.

One hundred and nine women from the general population completed the modified Menstrual Distress Questionnaire daily for 70 days. Neuroticism was assessed using the NEO Personality Inventory Revised.

Neuroticism accounted for a significant amount of variation in premenstrual negative affect both before and after controlling for baseline (follicular) symptom levels. The relationship between neuroticism and premenstrual negative affect could not be linked to any particular facet of neuroticism (e.g. anxiety, depression). Oral contraceptive (OC) users had significantly higher levels of neuroticism than the non-oral contraceptive (NOC) group. A significant interaction between OC use and menstrual cycle phase was also noted, with a trend toward OC users experiencing less premenstrual, but more menstrual, negative affect compared with the NOC group.

The results are discussed in terms of the contribution of personality factors to the etiology of premenstrual change, and the utility of cognitive-behavioral treatment approaches.

Key Words:

• premenstrual syndrome
• premenstrual negative affect
• personality
• neuroticism
• oral contraceptives
• menstrual cycle