The study of correlation between body image and coping styles with severity of primary dysmenorrhea

There are many factors that affect the severity of dysmenorrhea. The objective of the present article is to investigate the relationship of body image and coping styles with the severity of primary dysmenorrhea. This descriptive-correlational study begun in November 2010 and ended on December 2011. 254 Islamic Azad University students were selected through stratified random sampling method and filled in three questionnaires including Andersh and Milsom، dysmenorrhea severity determination questionnaire، Fischer''s body image questionnaire and Lazarus-Folkman coping styles questionnaire. To analyze the data، SPSS. 16، Pearson''s correlation test، one-way ANOVA and stepwise regression analysis were used. Significant relationship was observed between primary dysmenorrhea and body image (P≥0. 01) and coping styles (problem-based P≥0. 01 and emotional-based (P≥0. 05). The same was observed between primary dysmenorrhea and all components of body image (P≥0. 01). Body image components enjoyed predictability of dysmenorrhea severity. There were also significant relationship between dysmenorrhea and some components of coping styles such as programmed problem-solving (P≥0. 01)، seeking social protection (P≥ 0. 05)، self-restraint (P≥0. 05)، problem reassessment (P≥ 0. 05) and responsibility (P≥0. 05). Programmed problem-solving component enjoyed higher predictability of dysmenorrhea. Two psychological factors of body image and coping styles are related to the primary dysmenorrhea and need to be paid more attention in management and control of primary dysmenorrhea.