Survey study, 1997
Are optimism and social support related to fewer premenstrual mood and performance symptoms?
Optimism was linked to fewer premenstrual mood symptoms, but social support did not appear to matter for symptoms. Optimism did not help with performance or concentration problems.
What they did
101 adult women were assessed for their dispositional optimism, satisfaction with social support, and symptoms of premenstrual mood and performance problems.
What they found
In 101 women, optimism and satisfaction with social support were positively correlated. Optimism was inversely related to mood symptoms even after accounting for social support. Optimism did not correlate with premenstrual performance impairment. Social support did not correlate with any premenstrual symptoms.
What it means for you
Optimism was associated with fewer mood symptoms but not performance problems. Social support wasn't associated with any premenstrual symptoms. The study is small and cross-sectional, so we cannot know if optimism actually causes better mood.
101
adult women
About the study
- Original title
- Optimism, social support, and premenstrual dysphoria
- Authors
- Fontaine KR, Seal A
- Journal
- Journal of clinical psychology
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 101
- What was tested
- None (observational assessment)
Topics
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