Positively reframing perceptions of the menstrual cycle among women with premenstrual syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To positively reframe perceptions of menstrual cycle experiences to diminish reports of negative perimenstrual symptoms among women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Design/sample: A longitudinal quasi-experimental research design; data were collected on 28 women.

Setting: Treatment sessions were conducted in a university classroom in the northeastern United States.

Intervention: The intervention consisted of a health promotion program that provided social support and a psychoeducational intervention with a positive reframing psychotherapeutic maneuver.

Main outcome measures: To describe (a) perceptions of biologic, psychologic, and social outcomes related to perimenstrual changes and (b) compare biologic, psychologic, and social outcomes of women participating in a health promotion intervention with women not participating.

Results: Negative perimenstrual symptom reports decreased for women in the experimental group. In addition, the participants' personal resources increased significantly.

Conclusions: Participation in a peer support group that provides women with information on positive concomitants of the menstrual cycle can benefit women with PMS.