Abstract
Representations of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in Western scientific and popular discourse construct premenstrual change as a disorder and portray premenstrual women as out-of-control, emotionally unstable, and dangerous. Previous research has suggested that the adoption of such constructions of PMS by male partners can have a deleterious influence on women's experiences of premenstrual distress. However, few studies to date have examined constructions of PMS and the function of such constructions within men's talk. Representations of PMS and premenstrual women in men's accounts in the online discussion forum PMSBuddy.com, which appeared between September 2008 and February 2009, were analyzed through a thematic discourse analysis. The majority of accounts positioned negative premenstrual change as a hormonal disorder, an excuse, or a nuisance. Some men described themselves as victimized by their premenstrual partners, and positioned their experiences as unfair and undeserved. A small portion of men talked positively about premenstrual women and emphasized the importance of providing support. These findings suggest that it is important to recognize that PMS is constructed and experienced in a relational context. Cultural and relational constructions of PMS can influence both men and women's experiences of premenstrual change.
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