Table 3 Varimax rotated component loadings, communalities (h ² ), percentages of variance explained and Cronbach alphas for the PMCM

Avoiding harm

1. I avoid situations that have the potential to provoke me

2. I avoid people that have the potential to provoke me

3. I avoid raising topics that have the potential to create conflict

4. I remove myself from a situation if it starts to provoke me

5. I avoid situations where I know I will feel vulnerable

6. I avoid having conversations that are liable to upset me

7. I try to avoid dealing with difficult family issues

8. I challenge my negative thoughts

Awareness and acceptance of premenstrual change

9. I accept my changeable moods

10. I am aware that my premenstrual changes are only temporary

11. I think it is okay to be feeling differently when I am premenstrual

12. I am aware of my bodily changes

13. I think it is okay to be more emotional or sensitive when I am premenstrual

14. I am aware of my emotional changes

15. I think that my premenstrual changes are a normal part of a woman’s experience

16. I know that other women go through this

17. I think it is okay that my physical needs may be different

18. I know what I need to do to support myself

Adjusting energy

19. I vent my feelings through emotional outbursts

20. I decrease my social activities

21. I focus less on the needs of others

22. I exercise less

23. I eat more sugary foods

Self-care

24. I spend time doing things that help me relax e.g. have a bath, massage, read a book

25. I take time to focus on my own needs

26. I allow myself extra time to rest

27. I do things to make myself more comfortable

Communicating

28. I feel confident to tell people how I feel

29. I feel confident to tell people what I need

30. I tell others about how I am feeling

31. I try not to express how I am feeling

32. I ask for help from others