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Survey study, 2018

Is PMS linked to attitudes about traditional gender roles?

Yes. Women with more traditional attitudes about gender roles had more PMS symptoms, especially depression and swelling. But this is correlation only, so we can't prove gender attitudes cause PMS.

Early or limited evidence 1515 Turkish female university students

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 1515 Turkish university students from 13 departments. They completed questionnaires about PMS symptoms and attitudes toward gender roles, and provided sociodemographic information.

What they found

The average PMS score was 117.96 plus or minus 34.41 (moderate PMS). As gender role attitudes became more traditional, depressive thoughts and swelling became more common (correlations of minus 0.620 and minus 0.560). Mother's education and perceived economic status affected both PMS and gender role attitudes.

What it means for you

Gender role attitudes may be linked to PMS symptoms. However, the study shows only correlation, not causation. The findings are specific to university students in Turkey and may not apply to other populations.

1515

Women studied

-0.620

Correlation between traditional attitudes and depression

-0.560

Correlation between traditional attitudes and swelling

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual syndrome in university students: its correlation with their attitudes toward gender roles
Authors
Temel S, Terzioglu F, Isik Koc G
Journal
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology
Year
2018
Study design
Survey study
Participants
1,515
What was tested
None

Topics