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

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.