Patterns of Affective Fluctuation in the Menstrual Cycle

Abstract

Twenty-six female college students aged 19-22 were tested for differences in anxiety level during the menstrual cycle. Ss [subjects] were asked to talk for 5 min. on "any memorable life experience." These verbal samples were recorded at ovulatlon and 2-3 days preceding the onset of menses during 2 complete menstrual cycles for each S. The samples were scored according to Gottschalk''s (1961) Verbal Anxiety Scale (VAS) for Death, Mutilation, Separation, Guilt, Shame, and Diffuse Anxiety. The verbal samples were also examined for thermatic variations. The sensitivity of the VAS was confirmed, as it revealed consistent and significant variations in anxiety level between ovulation and premenstrual samples for each S. The premenstrual anxiety level was significantly higher (p < 0.0005) than that at ovulatlon over all Ss. Additional findings showed consistent themes of hostility and depression as well as themes of noncoplng during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. In spite of individual differences between Ss, these findings indicate significant and predictable affective fluctuations during the menstrual cycle which correlate with endocrine changes. Qualitative data on "premenstrual syndrome" and psychosomatic aspects of premenstrual symptoms were also presented.