Can coping skills training reduce premenstrual stress?

Background. This study investigated the impact of coping skills training on premenstrual stress and coping strategies among 60 students with moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) at Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Iran. Methods. In this randomized controlled trial, participants were divided into an intervention group, which received twice-weekly coping skills training for 5 weeks, and a control group with no intervention. Data on premenstrual stress and coping styles were collected before the intervention and 3 months after the intervention using questionnaires. Statistical tests, including t-tests and ANCOVA, were applied to compare changes between the two groups while controlling for baseline differences. Results. After the intervention, the coping skills training group experienced a significant reduction in premenstrual stress compared to the control group, with a mean difference of -20.1 (95% CI: -22.2 to -17.5; P<0.001). Their problem-focused coping score increased significantly by 30.7 points (95% CI: 25.6 to 35.9; P<0.001), and the avoidance coping score also increased by 17.9 points (95% CI: 14.3 to 21.4; P<0.001). In contrast, the emotion-focused coping subscale score was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group, with a mean difference of -27.4 (95% CI: -31.4 to -23.4; P<0.001). Conclusion. Considering the impact of coping strategy training on reducing premenstrual stress symptoms and improving coping strategies, it seems that teaching these strategies enables individuals to better manage stressful situations. Practical Implications. Coping skills training can effectively reduce premenstrual stress symptoms and improve adaptive coping strategies among students, enabling them to better manage stress related to PMS.

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