Non-randomised trial, 2021
Do negative stereotypes about PMS affect how women remember their symptoms?
Yes. Women who saw negative stereotypes reported higher symptom scores at baseline (effect size 0.48). Completing 8 weeks of daily symptom tracking had larger effects on reported symptoms (effect size 1.92).
What they did
Study of 94 women aged 18-45. Half saw a negative presentation about PMDD before starting the study. All completed baseline symptom assessments. Then about half completed 8 weeks of daily prospective symptom ratings. By the end, 48 women remained to complete a final assessment.
What they found
Women exposed to negative stereotypes reported significantly higher symptoms at baseline compared to those not exposed. Effect sizes were 0.48 for overall symptoms and 0.45 for criteria scores. Completing 8 weeks of daily tracking had much larger effects with effect sizes of 1.92 and 1.98, suggesting that prospective tracking substantially changed how symptoms were reported.
What it means for you
Negative stereotypes can make women report worse premenstrual symptoms when remembering them. Daily symptom tracking appears to have a strong effect on how women report their symptoms. The study had high dropout, with only 48 of 94 women completing it, limiting confidence in the findings.
94
Women who started the study
48
Women who completed it
0.48
Effect size for stereotype influence
About the study
- Original title
- Do Prospective Ratings Correct Retrospective Distortions Based on Negative Social Stereotypes of Premenstrual Syndrome?
- Authors
- Mary Lou Stone
- Journal
- Digital Commons - USU (Utah State University)
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Exposure to negative PMDD presentation and 8 weeks of prospective daily symptom ratings
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.26076/384a-b761
Topics
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