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Survey study, 2018

Can we measure PMS in mothers who are raising young children?

Yes. Researchers developed a reliable 38-item scale that measures five main types of PMS in mothers. The scale links to stress and depression risk.

Moderate study design 797 mothers aged 20-44 raising children six or under

What they did

1,640 mothers aged 20-44 with children six or under filled out questionnaires. Researchers analyzed 797 responses to test a new scale measuring PMS symptoms in mothers.

What they found

The scale identified five main PMS experiences: emotional instability before menstruation, positive mood after menstruation, perceived husband support, reduced energy before menstruation, and unpleasant physical symptoms. The scale was reliable and related to parenting stress and depression risk.

What it means for you

This scale measures PMS in mothers of young children and shows PMS links to parenting stress and depression. This suggests supporting mothers with PMS could improve their wellbeing.

797

mothers analyzed

38

items in the scale

5

main PMS experiences identified

About the study

Original title
Development of a Self-Management Scale of PMS during Childrearing Periods and Examination of its Validity and Reliability
Authors
Mayumi Hamasaki, Yoko Tokiwa
Journal
The Kitakanto Medical Journal
Year
2018
Study design
Survey study
Participants
1,640
What was tested
None
Open access
Yes

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