Self-Compassion and Mindfulness May Buffer Severe Premenstrual Symptoms

A kind attitude toward oneself and practicing mindfulness can improve functioning in individuals who experience severe premenstrual symptoms, according to a study by psychologists from SWPS University and Jagiellonian University. The research, published in the journal Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, examined whether specific psychological resources could protect against the onset of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its more severe form, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Both conditions cause distressing psychological and physical symptoms, including mood swings, fatigue, concentration difficulties, headaches, and muscle pain. These ailments occur during the second phase of the menstrual cycle and interfere with daily functioning, affecting education, work, relationships, and overall quality of life.

The scale of the problem is considerable. It is estimated that PMS affects approximately 20 to 30 percent of menstruating people, while PMDD impacts 3 to 8 percent. Despite this prevalence, the psychological factors that protect against the development of these symptoms have not been thoroughly investigated, which is the gap the new study set out to address. The work forms part of a broader project analysing potential mechanisms and factors that may protect against the onset of PMS and PMDD.

In the study, Rachela Antosz-Rekucka, PhD, a psychologist at the Institute of Psychology at SWPS University, and Katarzyna Prochwicz, PhD, a professor at the Institute of Psychology of the Jagiellonian University, analysed factors that might protect against the onset of severe premenstrual symptoms. They examined variables such as the sense of coherence, mindfulness skills, and self-compassion, and investigated their relationship with past trauma, perceived stress levels, and symptoms of premenstrual disorders. The study involved 228 participants aged 18 to 52, who were asked about their past experiences with premenstrual symptoms; a part of the group subsequently tracked their symptoms over the course of two menstrual cycles.

The results suggest that higher levels of certain psychological resources can moderate the negative effect of stress and trauma on the severity of menstrual cycle-related symptoms. According to Antosz-Rekucka, who conducted the study as part of her doctoral research at the Jagiellonian University, specific psychological attitudes may noticeably reduce the impact of daily stress on the severity of premenstrual symptoms. These include a kind attitude toward oneself and the acceptance of difficult moments, known as self-compassion. This approach, she says, helps women navigate the challenging phases of their cycle more easily, even during times of intense nervous tension.

Practicing mindfulness, understood as directing one’s attention to the present moment without judgment or worry, can also offer relief. In the context of PMS and PMDD, refraining from judging one’s own emotional reactions is particularly helpful, as it prevents the magnification of perceived discomfort. Furthermore, the researchers found that individuals with a strong sense of coherence cope better with rising premenstrual stress.

The study also addressed the role of past trauma. For individuals with a history of trauma, the ability to precisely describe their internal states and feelings, combined with the capacity to avoid judging their own emotional reactions, can help mitigate the negative impact of that trauma on premenstrual symptoms. This finding points to a specific combination of skills, emotional clarity paired with non-judgmental awareness, that appears to buffer the link between traumatic experience and symptom severity.

The researchers suggest that the findings could be significant for many people who menstruate, and could pave the way for modern therapeutic programs based on approaches such as mindfulness training or self-compassion-focused therapy, potentially reducing the reliance on medication. Because PMS and PMDD are chronic conditions, interventions such as mindfulness-based therapy, compassion-focused therapy, or strategies oriented at enhancing the sense of coherence may help individuals navigate their conditions more effectively, and possibly increase their overall quality of life, Antosz-Rekucka emphasises.

The study was conducted as an observational study of people, and the authors declare that there were no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship or the publication of the article. While the results indicate that a more understanding, mindful, and compassionate attitude toward oneself may benefit individuals with severe premenstrual symptoms, the researchers frame these resources as moderators of stress and trauma effects rather than as cures, and the study’s general-sample design means further research will be needed to establish how such interventions perform in clinical settings.

Subject of Research: The buffering role of self-compassion, mindfulness skills, and sense of coherence in premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Article Title: Mindfulness and self-compassion can alleviate premenstrual symptoms

Article References: Mindfulness and self-compassion can alleviate premenstrual symptoms. Original publication (Bibliographic details unavailable.)

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: Not provided

Keywords: premenstrual syndrome, PMDD, mindfulness, self-compassion, sense of coherence, stress, trauma, menstrual cycle, psychology, observational study, mental health, women's health