Elimination of the menses: psychosocial aspects
Miller, W.B.; Smith, P.J.
Journal of Psychiatric Research 12(3): 153-166
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3956 PMID: 1202202 DOI: 10.1016/0022-3956(75)90023-0Document Number: 503865
Eighty-eight randomly selected 18- to 23-yr-old female subjects were studied regarding demographic, psychological, and biological factors which were associated with their attitudes toward menstruation and their willingness to eliminate their menses for a period of time. Each subject was interviewed regarding personal and family history and then administered a battery of self-report inventories, including measures of self-estee, modernity, socialization, femininity, female role orientation, menstrual distress, and attitudes toward elimination of the menses. Eighty per cent of the subjects indicated a willingness to eliminate their menses. Variance on this measure related most strongly to female role orientation, self-esteem and somatic concern. These three variables, together with the prevalent normative structure regarding manipulation of the menstrual cycle, appear to interact in ways which significantly determine a woman's willingness to eliminate her menses. Given such an opportunity, the woman's central conflict would seem to be between the potential loss in self-image and the potential utilitarian gain. These findings deserve further verification and refinement among other groups of women.