Comparison of Emotional Regulation During Controlling Neuroticism in Different Types of Premenstrual Syndrome in Students.

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves cyclical mood and physical symptoms tied to the menstrual cycle. Neuroticism is a fundamental personality trait characterized by a tendency toward experiencing negative emotions like grief, anxiety, anger, and guilt. Emotion regulation enables individuals to manage their feelings during such situations. This study aimed to compare emotional regulation during controlling neuroticism in different types of premenstrual syndrome in students.

Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 421 students from Qom University of Medical Sciences. The participants were selected dormitories, sports venues, health and treatment centers, and hospitals from April 2018 to the end of December 2019 using convenience sampling. Research instruments included three questionnaires to diagnose PMS: A Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), an Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA (, Pearson, and multiple regression.

Results: ANOVA analysis indicated a significant relationship between PMS, emotional regulation (F_3,25 = 2, p = 0.04), and neuroticism control (F_4,22 = 2, p = 0.01). The results of multiple regression showed that the neuroticism controlling score had a significant effect on the score of those who had moderate PMS symptoms, emotion regulation, while neuroticism control in those with mild PMS symptoms had a significant impact and increased mild PMS by 0.03 and 0.01, respectively.

Conclusions: The study found a strong link between emotional regulation and PMS. Also, the impact of controlling Neuroticism in reducing Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) symptoms and recommending interventions was highlighted based on emotion regulation and neuroticism control.