Survey study, 1997
Do menstrual cycle moods and symptoms affect school grades?
Yes, but only slightly. Menstrual cycle symptoms predicted grades in 14% of cases premenstrually, 7% during menstruation, and 13% between periods, mostly negatively, though with some positive effects in certain subjects.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 427 post-pubescent female secondary school students in Melbourne, Australia. Researchers compared their Menstrual Distress Questionnaire scores to their previous year-end grades across 18 subjects.
What they found
At the premenstrual phase, menstrual moods and symptoms significantly predicted grades in 14% of instances. During menstruation, they predicted grades in 7% of instances. In the intermenstrual phase, they predicted grades in 13% of instances. Most relationships were negative. However, arousal and symptoms in the intermenstrual phase positively predicted grades in English Literature, Mathematics, Art and Craft, History, Mathematics 1, and Study of Society.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle affects school performance, but the effect is small. The study used old grade records rather than tracking students forward, which is a limitation. The true effect might be different.
427
female secondary school students
18
school subjects studied
14%
premenstrual phase prediction rate
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of menstrual cycle moods and symptoms on academic performance: a study of senior secondary school students
- Authors
- Boyle GJ
- Journal
- The British journal of educational psychology
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 18
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8279.1997.tb01225.x
Topics
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