“Mommy’s Having a Bad Day”: The Impact of Premenstrual Symptoms on Mothering

Abstract

Although premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder interfere with work/school and interpersonal relationships, virtually no research has focused on their effects on mothering. In this mixed-methods study, we examined premenstrual symptoms, parenting distress, and life stress in 55 mothers of young children; 46 completed qualitative interviews. Parenting scales and Stress Index for Parents of Adolescents life stress scores were high, but below clinical cutoffs. In a regression, psychological PMS symptoms were significantly associated with high parental distress. In interviews, women identified irritability as the most concerning PMS symptom. Most mothers developed strategies to mitigate parental stress. Implications include educating women and professionals about possible impacts of premenstrual symptoms on mothering.

Keywords:

• Premenstrual symptoms
• mothering
• parenting
• parenting distress
• life stress

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the following research assistants: Janie Christensen, Chris Arrowsmith, Karen Wyllie, Gillian Weaver, and Nathalie Forest. We also are grateful to the women who served as research participants for their willingness to provide their personal expertise about PMS and being a mother.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).