The Role of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in Moderating the Effect Between Menstrual Cycle Phase and Negative Memory Bias.

Abstract

This study investigates whether females with higher levels of PMS symptoms will experience a more pronounced negative memory bias during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. A convenience sample of 37 participants aged between 18 and 35 was recruited using a poster sent via online applications and presented during lectures at Utrecht University. Results show a positive association between premenstrual syndrome symptoms (PMS) and negative memory bias, and a positive association between perceived stress and negative memory bias. No significant association was found between the role of premenstrual syndrome as a moderator of cycle phase and negative memory bias, signifying that participants with higher premenstrual syndrome symptoms did not experience a difference in negative memory bias between the follicular and luteal phases of their menstrual cycles. These results expand on the idea that PMS symptoms could affect females beyond the seven days before menstruation, and explore the possibility of decreasing negative memory bias using cognitive bias modification (CBM) to reduce the depressive symptoms found in patients with premenstrual syndrome. Further investigating this relationship and promoting the understanding and treatment of premenstrual syndrome is imperative, with the hopes of creating inclusive and innovative healthcare for females.