Premenstrual tension and female role

Abstract

Various aetiological theories have been proposed to explain the diverse symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome. Although many different psychosocial factors have been independently implicated, few have been comprehensively investigated. Such psychosocial factors include feminine role, attitudes toward menstruation and areas pertaining to the body, perception of self and of the control felt over life events. These and other variables were examined in the present study. Eighty-five women comprising three groups were investigated. These were women presenting with premenstrual tension, women presenting with sexual dysfunction, and women who did not suffer from or present with either.

The first hypothesis was that women with premenstrual syndrome would differ psychologically in some way from women not seeking treatment for menstrual cycle changes. Premenstrual tension sufferers had significantly lower selfesteem, more negative attitudes to menstruation, and a stronger tendency to feel little control over the events of their lives than the non-patient comparison group.

The second hypothesis was that women presenting with differing reproductive tract-linked complaints should be similar on the same psychosocial parameters. Both the premenstrual tension and sexual dysfunction women were similar on the parameters of self-esteem, locus of control, and attitudes to menstruation, but the sexual dysfunction group generally indicated more negative attitudes and poorer self image than the other two groups. Complex relationships were found between the variables studied. Of particular interest was the finding of a correlation between characteristics viewed by society as ‘masculine’ and high self-esteem, belief of control over one's life, and positive attitudes towards the self. Implications for treatment programmes for women are discussed.