Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/37076

Title

PMS in the workplace: dispelling the myth of cyclic dysfunction

Author(s)

Hardie, Elizabeth A.

Abstract

To examine the notion that cyclic dysfunction among female employees is a pervasive workplace problem, 438 employees completed a survey of the past week's stress, health and work experiences. A 4 (menstrual cycle status) 2 (occupational level) analysis showed no differences between groups of perimenstrual women, postmenstrual women, non-menstruating women, and male colleagues on dimensions of illness, wellness, work performance, absenteeism, or subjective stress; although there were occupational differences in stress, health and work impairment. Women with perceived premenstrual syndrome (PMS) showed no evidence of perimenstrual dysfunction. This group consistently reported high stress, poor health, and work impairment across the menstrual cycle. Employers need not fear cyclic decrements in female employees' productivity; however, self-diagnosed PMS appears to be linked with persistent health and work problems.

Publication type

Journal article

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. School of Social and Behavioural Sciences. Department of Psychology

Source

Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, Vol. 70, no. 1 (Mar 1997), p. 97-102

Publication year

1997

Keyword(s)

Cyclic dysfunction;  Dysmenorrhea;  Employees;  Job performance;  Menstruation disorders;  Physiology;  PMS;  Premenstrual syndrome;  Problem employees;  Social Psychology Research Unit;  Stress;  Women;  Workplace

Publisher

British Psychological Society

ISSN

0963-1798

Copyright

Copyright © 1997 British Psychological Society.

Peer reviewed