City Research Online

Abstract

Research demonstrates that premenstrual change (experienced by over 75% of menstruating women), often called premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a wide-ranging impact on women’s quality of life, and consequently those around them. PMS has been linked with decreased marital satisfaction and increased relationship conflict. An understanding of this phenomenon is of great importance especially as over 60% of adults are in committed relationships.

Seven heterosexual couples took part in semi-structed, joint interviews which were then analysed using an adaptation of Braun & Clarke’s (2006) Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The focus of the analysis was to elucidate the lived experience of the participants. The results shed light on the following key phenomenon. The female participants identified experiencing a cyclical changing self. In this respect they found a monthly shift away from their usual, normal self. These changes manifest both physically and emotionally, and greatly impact their daily lives. Their male partners described experiencing PMS as a bystander, as they do not experience premenstrual change first hand. Their level of involvement and understanding depended on their knowledge, their previous relationships with women and their present relationship with their partner. They also described emotional challenges arising from their partners cyclical changes. The premenstrual phase was characterised by increased conflict. Participants ability and willingness to communicate together played a vital role and ultimately determined the experience of closeness within the couple. The findings demonstrate that the transient nature of PMS offered relief, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. Participants found that personal growth, maturity and their mounting experience over time changed the way they engaged with PMS.

Expanding thematic analysis in new ways to capture the dyadic relationship enabled a deep excavation into the past and present felt experience of participants, as they face the repetitive and ongoing hurdle of premenstrual change. The results of this research deepen our understanding of the heterosexual couple’s experience of premenstrual change and the applications are multifaceted. The knowledge gained benefits psychologists and health professionals alike, promoting an in-depth appreciation of the impact of premenstrual change. It thus promotes a holistic approach which can be applied to therapeutic practices, educational programmes and improving awareness and understanding of these gendered experiences within heterosexual couples. Beyond improving our knowledge of premenstrual change and its impacts, this research contributes to the development of dyadic thematic analysis method to help facilitate the exploration of phenomenon which are inherently dyadic in nature. This is an exciting development in the emerging field of phenomenological qualitative dyadic analysis.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman Q Science > QP Physiology
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Psychology & Neuroscience School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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