PMS Study

What is this study about? 

Many women experience levels of premenstrual distress that can have a significant effect on their lives. This can include anger, irritability, tearfulness, depression, feeling out of control, and relationship tensions. These feelings are often called “PMS”. This study is investigating the most effective non-medical ways of helping women cope with PMS.

Previous research conducted by this project team has found that both one-to-one psychological support and self-help information are effective in reducing and managing PMS. Our research has also shown that partners can play an important role in helping women to cope with PMS. Our aim in this study is to compare couple-based support to both one-to-one and self-help support. This will allow us to discover whether including women’s partners in a supportive PMS intervention makes it more effective.

Who can become involved in the study?

We are inviting women between the ages of 18 and 48 who experience moderate-severe premenstrual symptoms to participate in this study. This study will involve women who are in a relationship and who are having regular menstrual cycles. Women who are pregnant or lactating (or have been in the last 12 months), cannot take part in this study.

What does the study involve?

If you agree to take part in the study, you will be asked to fill in a brief questionnaire about your premenstrual experiences. If your premenstrual experiences are mild, you will be given information about a self-help PMS package and not included in any further stage of this study.  If your premenstrual changes are moderate-severe, you will be randomly allocated to one of the following groups:

• Couple-based intervention:

• One-to-one intervention:

• Self-monitoring intervention:

All women who take part will be asked to complete a brief daily moods diary for the duration of the study. Additionally, during the course of the study, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your premenstrual experiences at three different times.

You may also be offered the opportunity to take part in individual interviews in order to discuss your PMS and your experience of the intervention. Each interview will consist of an in-depth audio-taped discussion which will take up to 60-90 minutes. Interviews will be conducted at the University of Western Sydney (Bankstown Campus), or at an alternative location, at a time that is convenient for you.

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How is the study being paid for?

The study is sponsored by a grant from the Australian Research Council.  The sessions with the psychologist and the self-help pack are provided at no cost to yourself.  

Confidentiality and Choice

This study is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw at any point without giving a reason. All of the information we collect is confidential, and you will not be identified by name in any future publication of the results in academic or other publications. The information you provide will not be disclosed to any third party and will be securely stored.

Can I tell other people about the study?

Yes, you can tell other people about the study by providing them with the Research Coordinator’s contact details or by forwarding this link.

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Who is conducting the research?

The study is being conducted at Gender, Culture and Health Research: PsyHealth, School of Psychology, University of Western Sydney by Professor Jane Ussher, Dr. Janette Perz, Dr. Yasmin Hawkins,and Ms Marlee King, in conjunction with Dr. Edith Weisberg (Family Planning NSW).


If you have any comments or queries about this study please contact the Research Coordinator, Yasmin Hawkins, on pms@uws.edu.au or (02) 9772 6476.


To go to the brief questionnaire about your premenstrual experiences and to find out whether your experiences qualify you for this study, please click on the link below:

 

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