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Empathy, Egalitarianism and Emotion Work in the Relational Negotiation of PMS: The Experience of Women in Lesbian Relationships

School of Psychology, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia, j.ussher{at}uws.edu.au

Janette Perz

School of Psychology, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia, j.perz{at}uws.edu.au

Research on differences between heterosexual and lesbian relationships has reported that lesbian relationships are more satisfying, more egalitarian, more empathic, and facilitate more effective conflict resolution. These differences are of key relevance in terms of the construction and experience of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), as is illustrated through interviews with 15 lesbian women who experience PMS and 10 of their partners. While experiences of premenstrual distress were similar to those previously reported by heterosexual women, the lesbian relationship context and positioning of PMS were markedly different. In contrast to the lack of understanding or support, rejection, and pathologization commonly found in heterosexual women's accounts, lesbian interviewees reported awareness and recognition of premenstrual change, responsiveness to needs, open communication, and responsibility sharing. This had significant consequences for the construction and experience of premenstrual change, facilitating open expression of needs, self-care, and avoidance of guilt and self-blame, reinforcing the view that PMS needs to be understood within a framework of inter-subjectivity.

Key Words: communication • gender • inter-subjectivity • lesbian couples • premenstrual change • premenstrual syndrome • qualitative research

Feminism & Psychology, Vol. 18, No. 1, 87-111 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0959353507084954


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