---
title: Do women who experienced abuse have more severe premenstrual symptoms?
description: Yes. Women with a history of abuse report more severe PMS, especially pain and water retention. Stress partially explains this but accounts for only 24% of th
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/abuse-history-and-premenstrual-symptomatology-assessing-the-mediating-role-of-2007/
---

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- Do women who experienced abuse have more severe premenstrual symptoms?

Survey study, 2007

# Do women who experienced abuse have more severe premenstrual symptoms?

Yes. Women with a history of abuse report more severe PMS, especially pain and water retention. Stress partially explains this but accounts for only 24% of the effect.

 Early or limited evidence

91 female college students aged 18 to 25

## What they did

Researchers surveyed 91 college women aged 18 to 25 about their history of abuse, perceived stress levels, and severity of premenstrual symptoms.

## What they found

44% of women reported a history of abuse (including sexual, physical, or both). Women with abuse history rated premenstrual affect symptoms, pain and water retention higher than those without. Stress was related to both abuse and symptom severity. Stress accounted for 24% of the relationship between abuse and premenstrual symptom severity.

## What it means for you

Past abuse is associated with worse premenstrual symptoms. Stress is part of the explanation but not the whole story; other psychological factors may be involved. The study is limited by its small size and inclusion of only college students.

44%

with history of abuse

24%

of variance explained by stress

## About the study

Original title Abuse history and premenstrual symptomatology: assessing the mediating role of perceived stress Authors Lustyk MK, Widman L, Becker Lde L Journal Women & health Year 2007 Study design Survey study Participants 91 What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1300/j013v46n04_04](https://doi.org/10.1300/j013v46n04_04)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)

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