Menstrual cycle characteristics and psychology

Background

We are interested in how people’s personality, emotions and behaviour may change across the days of their menstrual cycle. Previous research has not yet provided a clear answer to this question, so our study seeks to gain a clearer and more detailed understanding of these changes. We intend this research to form the foundations of a larger scientific and social movement that supports women’s understanding of their own menstrual cycle, and by extension improves their health and wellbeing.

Research Questions / Hypotheses

In this phase of data collection, we were interested in understanding the effect of fertility on competitiveness and self-objectification. We hypothesised that fertility would be associated with an increase in competitiveness and self-objectification in naturally cycling women but not hormonal contraceptive users.

Participants

100 REP Participants in semester 2, 2021. Exclusion criteria included people without a regular menstrual cycle, anyone with a fertility abnormality, POCS or endometriosis. People who are trying for pregnancy, are breastfeeding or who are currently experiencing menopause were also excluded.

Methods

Each day participants were asked to complete a 5 minute survey. Each survey contained a select number of questions, drawn from a larger pool of psychological measures. We also asked questions about the menstrual cycle and birth control.

Results

The results of this study will be analysed in a number of ways. For example, we are interested in identifying differences between naturally cycling women and women that use contraceptives. However, we are also interested in whether or not there are clear differences in behaviour/psychology at different times in the cycle (e.g., during the menstrual phase compared to when ovulating).

Implications

The results of this research are planned for a number of journal articles. Each article is designed to educate the scientific community about how the menstrual cycle influences individual psychology.