Survey study, 1986
Do premenstrual symptoms affect the whole family, not just the woman?
Yes, this small survey found premenstrual symptoms were linked to more family conflict, less closeness, and worse communication, though it cannot prove cause and effect.
What they did
83 women and 32 men filled out a questionnaire before an evening lecture on premenstrual syndrome, asking about symptoms, coping, and effects on the family.
What they found
Women reported 74 different recurring premenstrual symptoms, most often in the 'tension states' category. Men said they coped mainly by offering support and expressing anger. Common themes in the family impact were increased conflict, decreased family closeness, and disrupted communication.
What it means for you
Premenstrual symptoms can ripple out to affect partners and family life, not just the woman experiencing them. The study is small, from 1986, relies on self-report from people attending a lecture, and has no control group, so results may not apply broadly.
83
Women surveyed
32
Men surveyed
74
Distinct recurring symptoms reported
About the study
- Original title
- Personal and family impact of premenstrual symptoms
- Authors
- Brown MA, Zimmer PA
- Journal
- Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing : JOGNN
- Year
- 1986
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 83
- What was tested
- None (survey only)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1552-6909.1986.tb01364.x
Topics
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