Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Nursing Students With Premenstrual Syndrome

NCT07684638 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2026-11/131
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 164
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common menstrual disorders among women of reproductive age and is characterized by recurrent physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. These symptoms may adversely affect academic performance, daily functioning, interpersonal relationships, and quality of life. Although previous studies have demonstrated that greater premenstrual symptom severity is associated with poorer quality of life, the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. Self-compassion, defined as a compassionate and nonjudgmental attitude toward oneself during times of difficulty, has been identified as a protective psychological factor associated with better emotional well-being and adaptive coping. However, its mediating role in the relationship between premenstrual symptom severity and premenstrual syndrome-specific quality of life has not been adequately investigated. This cross-sectional study aims to examine the association between premenstrual symptom severity and premenstrual syndrome-specific quality of life and to investigate the mediating role of self-compassion among nursing students who meet the study criteria for PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome Scale score ≥110).

Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome; Quality of Life; Self Compassion

Keywords

Premenstrual Syndrome; Quality of life; Self Compassion

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Sociodemographic, Menstrual, and Lifestyle Characteristics

  Sociodemographic, menstrual, reproductive, and lifestyle characteristics will be collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire consisting of 20 items. The questionnaire includes information on age, academic year, menstrual history, menstrual pain characteristics, premenstrual syndrome history, analgesic use, sleep characteristics, caffeine consumption, fast-food consumption, sugar intake, and other lifestyle-related factors.

  Baseline

• Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS)

  Premenstrual symptom severity will be assessed using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). The PMSS is a 44-item self-report instrument consisting of nine subscales (depressive affect, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, depressive thoughts, pain, appetite changes, sleep changes, and bloating). Total scores range from 44 to 220, with higher scores indicating greater premenstrual symptom severity. In accordance with the original scale, a total PMSS score of 110 or higher, representing the established cut-off for premenstrual syndrome, will be used as an eligibility criterion for study enrollment.

  Baseline

• Premenstrual Syndrome-Specific Quality of Life Scale (PMS-QoL)

  Premenstrual syndrome-specific quality of life will be assessed using the Premenstrual Syndrome-Specific Quality of Life Scale (PMS-QoL). The PMS-QoL is a 22-item self-report instrument consisting of three domains: physical well-being, emotional well-being, and social well-being. Higher scores indicate better premenstrual syndrome-specific quality of life.

  Within approximately 1 week after baseline

• Self-Compassion Scale (SCS)

  Self-compassion will be assessed using the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). The SCS is a 26-item self-report instrument comprising six dimensions: self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness, and over-identification. Higher scores indicate greater self-compassion.

  Within approximately 1 week after baseline

Study Arms (1)

Nursing Students Meeting the Study Criteria for PMS

Female nursing students aged 18-25 years with Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) scores ≥110 who meet the study eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Female undergraduate nursing students aged 18-25 years with premenstrual syndrome, defined as a Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) score of 110 or higher, who meet the study eligibility criteria.

You may qualify if:

• Female nursing students aged 18 to 25 years.
• Regular menstrual cycles.
• Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) total score of 110 or higher, indicating premenstrual syndrome according to the established cut-off value.
• Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Receiving ongoing physician-prescribed pharmacological treatment for premenstrual syndrome (e.g., oral contraceptives, hormonal therapy, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
• Irregular menstrual cycles.
• History of chronic medical disease.
• History of psychiatric disorders.
• Incomplete study questionnaires.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Acibadem University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Acibadem University

Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (6)

• Neff, K. D. (2003). Development and validation of a scale to measure self- compassion. Self and Identity, 2(3), 223-250.

  BACKGROUND

• Branecka-Wozniak D, Cymbaluk-Ploska A, Kurzawa R. The impact of premenstrual syndrome on women's quality of life - a myth or a fact? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022 Jan;26(2):598-609. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202201_27887.

  PMID: 35113436 BACKGROUND

• Victor FF, Souza AI, Barreiros CDT, Barros JLN, Silva FACD, Ferreira ALCG. Quality of Life among University Students with Premenstrual Syndrome. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2019 May;41(5):312-317. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1688709. Epub 2019 Jun 10.

  PMID: 31181584 BACKGROUND

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/premenstrual-syndrome

  BACKGROUND

• Guldu, E. T. C., & Canbay, F. C. (2025). Prevalence and risk factors of premenstrual syndrome in Turkey: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 18(1), 190.

  BACKGROUND

• Celik B, Tektas P. Self-compassion and premenstrual syndrome symptoms in women: a descriptive correlational study. BMC Womens Health. 2026 Feb 12;26(1):166. doi: 10.1186/s12905-026-04338-w.

  PMID: 41680718 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Menstruation Disturbances; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE ONLY
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer, Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 29, 2026
• First Posted: July 6, 2026
• Study Start: June 26, 2026
• Primary Completion: July 15, 2026
• Study Completion: July 15, 2026
• Last Updated: July 21, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)