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Randomised trial, 2022

Does happiness training improve quality of life in women with PMS?

Yes, happiness training based on Fordyce's approach significantly improved quality of life and reduced negative emotions and body pain in women with PMS.

Moderate study design 100 women with PMS

What they did

Randomized controlled trial with 100 women with PMS (50 in each group). The intervention group attended eight 120-minute sessions of happiness training designed to improve wellbeing and positive thinking. The control group received no training. Participants completed surveys measuring quality of life and positive and negative emotions before and after.

What they found

After the training, the intervention group had significantly lower negative emotions (6.12 points lower on average) and significantly less body pain (26.19 points lower) than the control group. The intervention group also had significantly higher physical functioning (42.0 points higher) and energy and vitality (10.40 points higher).

What it means for you

Happiness training focused on positive thinking and coping skills may help women with PMS feel better emotionally and experience less pain. This was a study of 100 women, and the training works best when combined with other medical care. Results would be stronger if confirmed in a larger study.

100

women in study

6.12

points reduction in negative emotions

26.19

points reduction in body pain

About the study

Original title
The effectiveness of happiness training on quality of life in women with premenstrual syndrome: a randomized, controlled, clinical trial
Authors
Azize Tanhayi, Mojgan Mirghafourvand‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬, Jafar Kondori et al.
Journal
The Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice
Year
2022
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
100
What was tested
Eight 120-minute sessions of Fordyce-based happiness training

Topics