Özlem Akın Yamak, Hilal Gül Boyraz Yanık, Nülüfer Erbil
The mean age of the women participating in the study was 26.87 ± 7.92, 76.3% were university graduates, and 29.1% were married. It was determined that 74.7% of the women had PMS, and 29.5% had a high level of negative menstrual attitude. According to the cut-off scores of the PMSS subscales, 83.9% of women experienced fatigue, 81.6% swelling, 78.9% depressive moods, 78.9% changes in appetite, 79.3% irritability, 68.6% pain, 65.5% changes in sleeping habits, 59.4% depressive thoughts, and 43.3% experienced anxiety above the moderate level. Regression analysis revealed that the predictors of premenstrual syndrome were self-compassion and negative menstrual attitudes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the findings were statistically consistent with a partial mediation model involving self-compassion in the relationship between negative menstrual attitudes and premenstrual syndrome (p < 0.001).
PURPOSE: Self-compassion, an important component of mindfulness, may influence experiences related to menstruation and the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This study aimed to determine the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between negative menstrual attitudes and premenstrual syndrome in women.
METHODS: A total of 261 women were recruited via social media platforms and completed an online survey developed using Google Forms in this descriptive and correlational cross-sectional design study. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF), and Negative Menstrual Attitudes Assessment Scale (NMAS).
RESULTS: The mean age of the women participating in the study was 26.87 ± 7.92, 76.3% were university graduates, and 29.1% were married. It was determined that 74.7% of the women had PMS, and 29.5% had a high level of negative menstrual attitude. According to the cut-off scores of the PMSS subscales, 83.9% of women experienced fatigue, 81.6% swelling, 78.9% depressive moods, 78.9% changes in appetite, 79.3% irritability, 68.6% pain, 65.5% changes in sleeping habits, 59.4% depressive thoughts, and 43.3% experienced anxiety above the moderate level. Regression analysis revealed that the predictors of premenstrual syndrome were self-compassion and negative menstrual attitudes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the findings were statistically consistent with a partial mediation model involving self-compassion in the relationship between negative menstrual attitudes and premenstrual syndrome (p < 0.001).
DISCUSSION: The findings were statistically consistent with a partial mediation model in which self-compassion was associated with the relationship between negative menstrual attitudes and premenstrual syndrome. Negative menstrual attitudes were associated with premenstrual syndrome both directly and indirectly through self-compassion. Healthcare professionals are in a key position to assess attitudes towards menstruation and provide supportive interventions. Incorporating self-compassion-based approaches and menstrual health education into routine care can help reduce PMS-related distress and improve overall well-being.