A preliminary study on the correlation of Depression and Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) with Meta Cognitive beliefs in female university students

This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between depression and Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) with Meta Cognitive beliefs in female university students.

This was a correlation analytical study executed on the female students of psychology studying at psychology and education school of Isfahan University in 2007-2008. Thirty students were randomly selected. The instruments used for data collection included the Meta Cognition Questionnaire (MCQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), as well as a researcher-made questionnaire for assessment of Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). Data was analyzed using the SPSS-13 software and the regression analysis method .

A significant correlation was found between the mean scores of the negative Meta Cognitive beliefs subscale (referring to the beliefs of dangerousness and uncontrollability of worry) with the mean scores of PMS (p < 0.05). Also, there were significant correlations between the mean total scores of all dysfunctional Meta Cognitive beliefs and the mean scores of depression during the menstrual period (p < 0.05).

Meta Cognition may play a role in development and perpetuation of PMS and depression in women.