Men on Menstruation: A Causal Comparative Analysis of College Males’ Attitudes Toward Menstruation

Abstract

This research explores how sibling dynamics impact college men's views on menstruation. While existing studies have looked at various angles of attitudes toward menstruation, there's a noticeable gap concerning the role of family, specifically siblings. This study fills that gap by examining whether having a sister who menstruates influences a college man's views on the topic. Using a quantitative approach, we conducted an online survey based on a modified Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire. A total of 48 undergraduate males participated, half of whom have a sister who menstruates. Data were analyzed using t-Tests, comparing average responses between the two groups. Initial findings suggest that having a sister could play a role in shaping attitudes toward menstruation, although the average responses between the two groups were similar. This research adds a new dimension to existing literature by focusing on a specific age group and their family influences, offering a fresh perspective on attitudes toward menstruation. The study is timely and relevant, given the ongoing societal discussions about menstruation and women's health. It opens the door for further research to validate these findings and explore other family and social factors that may shape attitudes toward menstruation. Examining the perspectives of young people and their familial environment provides fresh insights into society's views on menstrual health. This research is especially timely as discussions about women's health, including menstruation, are gaining more public attention than ever before.