Psychosocial associates of premenstrual symptoms and the moderating role of social support in a community sample

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the role of psychological factors such as perfectionism, need for approval, timidity, and social support from key individuals such as a woman's mother and partner in relation to premenstrual symptoms in a community (non-help-seeking) sample.

Methods: A large sample of women completed a questionnaire to assess whether these proposed factors were associated. Premenstrual symptoms were assessed via daily ratings for a period of more than 2 months.

Results: Perfectionism and low levels of maternal support were associated with premenstrual symptoms. In addition, social support from both the mother and partner moderated the impact of perfectionism on physical symptoms.

Conclusion: The quality of the relationship with one's mother and perceptions of support may play an important role in the experience of cyclical symptoms in 'normal' non-help-seeking women. This may interact with preexisting personality factors such as perfectionism. Such understandings may ultimately be of value in community-based preventative psychoeducational programs.