^*Ingrid Johnston-Robledo served as Action Editor for this manuscript.

Self-Silencing, Perfectionism, Dualistic Discourse, Loss of Control, and the Experience of Premenstrual Syndrome

Abstract

Fears of loss of control and utilization of dualistic discourse (e.g., me/not me; my PMS self/my real self) are hallmarks of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), as described in self-help books and articles in the popular press. In the present study, 182 North American women, ages 18–46 years, were recruited online to complete measures of self-silencing, perfectionism, affective control, and use of dualistic discourse. Women who reported that they experience PMS (N = 90) scored significantly higher on the measure of concern about affective control and used more dualistic discourse than did women who did not report PMS (N = 78). High scores on the self-silencing and perfectionism scales predicted greater concern about affective control. Our findings can be useful in designing psychotherapeutic interventions to reduce distress and assist women in coping with their symptoms.

Keywords:

• premenstrual syndrome
• PMS
• premenstrual distress
• coping
• self-silencing
• perfectionism
• affective control
• loss of control
• dualistic discourse

Notes

^* Ingrid Johnston-Robledo served as Action Editor for this manuscript.

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