The aim of the study was to assess specific psychological aspects of the premenstrual syndrome, such as stress, attitudes towards menstruation, and past history of psychosomatic illnesses. Thirteen PMS subjects, were compared with 8 control subjects, who reported only minimal or no premenstrual symptoms. In comparison to controls, PMS subjects regarded menstruation as significantly more debilitating. No significant differences were found between the groups in levels of stress. However, the PMS group evidenced a significantly greater tendency to react to emotional stress, with overcontrol, i.e. the need to control and suppress emotions. In addition, the PMS group evidenced a significantly greater history of psychosomatic illnesses, than controls. Finally, there was a significant group reduction in symptom severity, within the PMS group, over the two month period of daily monitoring of symptoms. The results of this study suggest that certain psychological factors may be implicated in premenstrual symptom severity. / Psychology / M.A. (Social Science (Psychology))

The aim of the study was to assess specific psychological aspects of the premenstrual syndrome, such as stress, attitudes towards menstruation, and past history of psychosomatic illnesses. Thirteen PMS subjects, were compared with 8 control subjects, who reported only minimal or no premenstrual symptoms. In comparison to controls, PMS subjects regarded menstruation as significantly more debilitating. No significant differences were found between the groups in levels of stress. However, the PMS group evidenced a significantly greater tendency to react to emotional stress, with overcontrol, i.e. the need to control and suppress emotions. In addition, the PMS group evidenced a significantly greater history of psychosomatic illnesses, than controls. Finally, there was a significant group reduction in symptom severity, within the PMS group, over the two month period of daily monitoring of symptoms. The results of this study suggest that certain psychological factors may be implicated in premenstrual symptom severity. / Psychology / M.A. (Social Science (Psychology))