Emotional distress and the perceived interference of menstruation

The relation of perceived interference of menstruation on expected behaviors to emotional distress was examined. It was predicted that the perceived interference of menstruation would be more predictive of emotional distress associated with menstruation than either menstrual or premenstrual pain. Participants completed measures of menstrual pain and visual analogue scales of emotional distress (anger, frustration, depression, anxiety, fear). Measures of perceived ability to tolerate the pain, the perceived interference of the pain, and attitudes toward menstruation were also collected. Results indicated that perceived interference was the strongest predictor of emotional distress secondary to menstrual pain. Ratings of menstrual and premenstrual pain were also significant predictors of emotional distress. Results supported the major hypothesis of the study and provide evidence that the appraisal of interference imposed by a particular condition or Stressor may be an important factor in stress and coping processes.