The generation gap in menstrual cycle attributions

Abstract

Objectives. To replicate research from the 1980s that consistently found people to attribute negative moods experienced in the premenstrual phase to the menstrual cycle but positive moods to other factors such as work and to extend the research to examine community samples of different age groups.Methods. Four groups of women: under 18 years, 18–34 years, 35–54 years and over 55s were presented with four vignettes of a woman in either a positive or negative mood and in either the premenstrual phase or the middle of her cycle.Results. Two‐way split plot MANOVA and subsequent post hoc analyses revealed findings consistent with earlier studies but group differences emerged. The under 18s did not differ in their mood attributions and between‐group analyses revealed that they were significantly more likely to attribute premenstrual positive moods to the menstrual cycle than the other groups.Conclusions. These findings suggest that the younger generation of British women today may hold more positive attitudes towards the menstrual cycle.