Ways of coping with premenstrual change: development and validation of a premenstrual coping measure

BMC Women's Health

Table 6 Comparison of content analysis of most helpful premenstrual coping strategies with the subscales of the PMCM

PMCM subscale	Coded response	Number of responses
Avoiding harm
	Avoid irritations	13
	Positive thinking	6
Awareness and acceptance
	Self-aware/awareness of premenstrual change	10
	Acceptance	9
	Keep track of menstrual cycle	6
	Know it is only temporary	8
	Be prepared for period	4
Adjusting energy
	Time alone/out/for self	36
	Eat sugar/chocolate	27
	Eat	15
	Crying	4
Self-care
	Rest, relax, slow down	53
	Sleep	42
	Watch TV, movies, read	37
	Hot water bottle/heat pack	28
	Bath/Shower	20
	Do things I enjoy	10
	Music	9
	Massage	8
	Make comfortable	6
	Warm food and drink	5
Communicating
	Social support/partner support	42
	Express how you feel/communicate with others	17
Non matching codes
	Pain killers	44
	Exercise	28
	Eat healthy	9
	Distraction	7
	Vitamins	6
	Drink more water	5
	Cook	5
	Spend time with pets	5
	Clean	4
	Shopping	4
	Yoga	4

Note. The table indicates the number of women who gave the response as one of the most helpful things they do when they are premenstrual. Items with 3 or less responses have not been included in the table.

ISSN: 1472-6874