Interview study, 2021
How do premenstrual symptoms affect mothers and their parenting?
Psychological symptoms of PMS were linked to higher parenting stress. Women said irritability was the most troubling PMS symptom, but most developed ways to manage.
What they did
Mixed-methods study of 55 mothers of young children. 46 completed interviews. Researchers measured parenting stress, life stress, and premenstrual symptoms using standard scales.
What they found
Parenting stress scores were high but below clinical concern levels. Psychological PMS symptoms were significantly associated with higher parenting distress. Irritability was identified as the most concerning PMS symptom in interviews. Most mothers developed strategies to reduce parenting stress.
What it means for you
PMS symptoms, especially irritability, can make parenting more stressful. Women and healthcare providers need more education about how PMS affects mothering. The study involved only mothers of young children, so findings may not apply to all women.
55
Mothers enrolled
46
Mothers who completed interviews
About the study
- Original title
- “Mommy’s Having a Bad Day”: The Impact of Premenstrual Symptoms on Mothering
- Authors
- Leslie Maureen Tutty, Lynn Barry, Kendra Nixon
- Journal
- Women s Reproductive Health
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Interview study
- Participants
- 55
- What was tested
- Assessment of symptoms and stress
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2021.2016137
Topics
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