Case-control study, 1994
Does cognitive-behavioral coping skills training reduce premenstrual symptoms?
Yes. Women who received coping skills training showed clear reductions in premenstrual symptoms and negative thinking right after treatment and at 9-month follow-up.
What they did
Women with severe premenstrual symptoms were assigned to three groups: coping skills training (13 women), generic treatment (12 women), or a waiting list (12 women). Symptoms were measured before treatment, right after, and 9 months later.
What they found
The coping skills group showed clear reductions in symptom severity and negative thinking at the end of treatment and at 9-month follow-up. The other two groups showed no significant changes.
What it means for you
Coping skills training may help reduce premenstrual symptoms with benefits lasting at least 9 months. The study was small and did not randomly assign people, which limits confidence. Negative thinking during the premenstrual phase appears to be a product of stress rather than a cause of PMS.
13
women in coping skills group
9 months
duration benefits lasted
12
women in each control group
About the study
- Original title
- Changes in premenstrual symptoms and irrational thinking following cognitive-behavioral coping skills training
- Authors
- Kirkby RJ
- Journal
- Journal of consulting and clinical psychology
- Year
- 1994
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 13
- What was tested
- Cognitive-behavioral coping skills training
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.62.5.1026
Topics
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