Development and initial validation of the menstrual sensitivity index

Abstract

Abstract Objective The present study sought to develop and perform the initial validation of a scale assessing sensitivity to menstrual pain and symptoms. Methods Data were taken from a larger parent study in which participants were recruited from a nationwide sample of individuals via the UniVox platform (www.univoxcommunity.com). In that study, participants were stratified by age and self-reported menstrual pain. Participants in the parent study completed 2 online surveys, one at baseline and one at a 3-month follow up. Participants who provided complete responses to the potential scale items, as well as a variety of validated questionnaires, were included in the present analyses. Final item selection was determined by factor analyses, and measures of validity and reliability were examined. Results Factor analyses support an 8-item scale assessing menstrual sensitivity. This scale, the Menstrual Sensitivity Index, demonstrates excellent internal consistency, good item–total correlations, and good total score test–retest reliability. Convergent validity emerged for menstrual- and pain-specific measures, and divergent validity emerged for anxiety sensitivity, anxiety, depression, nonmenstrual bodily pain, and premenstrual symptoms. Conclusions Menstrual sensitivity is a unique construct that reflects women’s attunement to and fear of menstrual symptoms, and the Menstrual Sensitivity Index is a valid and reliable measure of this construct. This scale could be useful in advancing research and clinical work targeting menstrual pain.