Abstract
The physical and affective symptoms of a broad range of conditions are improved following mindfulness-based practices. One
set of symptoms that has yet to be explored through the lens of mindfulness, however, is that associated with the premenstruum.
Also, given the relationships among negative attitudes towards menstruation and amplified symptom reporting, it is reasonable
to expect that mindfulness qualities cultivated through practices aimed at dispelling negative anticipatory and judgmental
thinking will moderate these relationships. Thus, in this study we examined interrelationships among premenstrual symptom
severity reports (PMSR), menstrual attitudes, and mindfulness qualities in a sample of 127 women (age range 18-26 years).
Results revealed several statistically significant positive relationships between menstrual attitudes and PMSR. Also, higher
scores on measures of mindfulness were significantly associated with lower PMSR. Moderating effects revealed that mindfulness
significantly buffered the relationships between menstrual attitudes and PMSR, specifically between: anticipation of menses
onset and PMSR as well as anticipation of menses onset and premenstrual water retention. These results may offer the first
empirical evidence of relationships among menstrual attitudes, PMSR, and mindfulness qualities. Results from this study align
with the body of research showing that mindfulness is predictive of improved symptomatology and well-being across varied conditions.
We conclude with discussion supporting the development of a mindfulness-based intervention aimed at reducing symptom severity
in premenstrual symptom sufferers.
set of symptoms that has yet to be explored through the lens of mindfulness, however, is that associated with the premenstruum.
Also, given the relationships among negative attitudes towards menstruation and amplified symptom reporting, it is reasonable
to expect that mindfulness qualities cultivated through practices aimed at dispelling negative anticipatory and judgmental
thinking will moderate these relationships. Thus, in this study we examined interrelationships among premenstrual symptom
severity reports (PMSR), menstrual attitudes, and mindfulness qualities in a sample of 127 women (age range 18-26 years).
Results revealed several statistically significant positive relationships between menstrual attitudes and PMSR. Also, higher
scores on measures of mindfulness were significantly associated with lower PMSR. Moderating effects revealed that mindfulness
significantly buffered the relationships between menstrual attitudes and PMSR, specifically between: anticipation of menses
onset and PMSR as well as anticipation of menses onset and premenstrual water retention. These results may offer the first
empirical evidence of relationships among menstrual attitudes, PMSR, and mindfulness qualities. Results from this study align
with the body of research showing that mindfulness is predictive of improved symptomatology and well-being across varied conditions.
We conclude with discussion supporting the development of a mindfulness-based intervention aimed at reducing symptom severity
in premenstrual symptom sufferers.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s12671-011-0041-x
- Authors
- M. Kathleen B. Lustyk, School of Psychology, Family, and Community, Seattle Pacific University, 3307 Third Ave. West, Suite 107, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
- Winslow G. Gerrish, School of Psychology, Family, and Community, Seattle Pacific University, 3307 Third Ave. West, Suite 107, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
- Haley Douglas, School of Psychology, Family, and Community, Seattle Pacific University, 3307 Third Ave. West, Suite 107, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
- Sarah Bowen, Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- G. Alan Marlatt, Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Journal Mindfulness
- Online ISSN 1868-8535
- Print ISSN 1868-8527