---
title: Is self-compassion linked to PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes, strongly. Women with higher self-compassion had fewer PMS symptoms. Self-compassion and marital status together explained about half of the differences i
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/self-compassion-and-premenstrual-syndrome-symptoms-in-women-a-descriptive-2026/
---

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- Is self-compassion linked to PMS symptoms?

Survey study, 2026

# Is self-compassion linked to PMS symptoms?

Yes, strongly. Women with higher self-compassion had fewer PMS symptoms. Self-compassion and marital status together explained about half of the differences in PMS severity.

 Moderate study design

353 women of reproductive age recruited online

## What they did

353 women of reproductive age filled out online surveys about their PMS symptoms and self-compassion between December 2023 and December 2024.

## What they found

The average PMS score was 133.49 and average self-compassion score was 2.91. About 55% of women had PMS. There was a strong negative link between PMS symptoms and self-compassion (r = -0.700, p < 0.001). Being married and higher self-compassion together explained 49.5% of the variation in PMS scores.

## What it means for you

Women who are kind to themselves and accept their difficulties tend to have milder PMS symptoms. However, we can't tell if self-compassion helps with PMS or if severe PMS makes it harder to be self-compassionate. Also, women were recruited online, so the sample may not represent all women.

353

women studied

55%

had PMS

49.5%

of PMS variation explained by self-compassion and marital status

## About the study

Original title Self-compassion and premenstrual syndrome symptoms in women: a descriptive correlational study Authors Çelik B, Tektaş P Journal BMC women's health Year 2026 Study design Survey study Participants 353 What was tested None - observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04338-w](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04338-w)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

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