The Influence Of Demand Characteristics And Psychosocial Stereotypes On Menstrual Cycle Mood Fluctuations And The Menstrual Distress Questionnaire

Three hundred and fifty-three undergraduates from a state uni­versity were given the Depression Adjective Checklist (DACL), the State form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), and the MMPI Hypochondriasis scale. Subjects told that the study involved men and women's health issues participated in the Unaware condition. Subjects told that the study involved menstrual cycle experiences, particularly premenstrual ex­periences and premenstrual problems, participated in the Aware con­dition. A 2 x 3 analysis of variance (Awareness X Phase) yielded significant main effects for awareness on the MDQ control and water retention factors. A significant main effect for phase on the water retention factor was also found. In addition, significant inter­actions between phase and awareness were found on the MDQ water re­tention factor and the MMPI Hypochondriasis scale. It was concluded that cultural stereotypes and demand characteristics may exacerbate the reporting of menstrual and premenstrual complaints.