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

BMC Women's Health

Table 7 Comparison of content analysis of least helpful premenstrual coping strategies with the subscales of the PMCM

PMCM subscale	Coded response for least helpful things	Number of responses
Avoiding harm
	Conflict/argue/raise issues with people	33
	Give into moods/emotions	26
	Stress/deadlines	22
	Be with negative/irritating people	18
	Ruminating/over thinking	17
	Take frustrations out on others	16
	Deal with relationship/family issues	9
	Complain	6
Awareness and acceptance
	Frustrated with/criticise self	10
	Ignoring feelings	8
	Ignoring feelings	8
	Not being aware of being premenstrual	4
Adjusting energy
	Exercise	21
	Overdoing it e.g. exercising, socialising	12
	Not adjusting	10
	Not enough sleep	10
	Socialising	7
Self-care
	Work/Study	23
	Eating unhealthy food	17
	Housework	6
Communicating
	Isolating self	14
Non matching codes
	Binge eating/overeating	18
	Not control emotions	17
	Drinking alcohol/taking drugs	17
	Eat chocolate/sugar	12
	Increase caffeine	7
	Eating	6
	Sleep	5
	Cry	4
	Forget vitamins	4
	Jokes/comments about PMS	4

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

ISSN: 1472-6874