Sickness or excuse? Male attitudes towards women experiencing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

Kliknij autora aby wyszukać wszystkie publikowane przez niego artykuły:
Karolina Koszałkowska, Karolina Cieślak, Karolina Kossakowska

4 (57) 2018 s. 458–466
Click to return to issue contents

Digital version of article (in PDF file)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20883/ppnoz.2018.67

Fraza do cytowania: Koszałkowska K., Cieślak K., Kossakowska K. Sickness or excuse? Male attitudes towards women experiencing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Polski Przegląd Nauk o Zdrowiu. 2018;4(57):458–466. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20883/ppnoz.2018.67

Introduction. Symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can make women’s daily functions more difficult. Women coping with these ailments require extra physical and emotional support, especially from relatives and the partner. However, previous studies in this field show that men's attitudes towards premenstrual syndrome and the women experiencing it are not always marked by empathy and kindness. Aim of the study. The aim of the article was to verify men’s general perspective of this condition, which symptoms men most frequently observe in their affected partners, and which symptoms most negatively affect men. Material and methods. A total of 309 men, aged 18–60, filled out the online survey about their perspective on PMS. The questionnaire measured men’s general attitude, its behavioral, cognitive and affective component, as well as their ability to recognize PMS symptoms. Results. It was reported that anxiety, depression, mood swings, breast tenderness and pain were the most common symptoms of PMS. Men aged between 26–39 and in a stable relationship with a woman were found to be most accepting and supportive. Conclusion: Although some of the symptoms are more noticeable than others, men do not perceive PMS symptoms to be a valid excuse for women’s outbursts. They also acknowledge the importance of being empathetic and supportive.

Key words: pre-menstrual syndrome, PMS, male attitudes.



Copyright © 1989–2024 Polish Review of Health Sciences. All rights reserved.