The Structural Model for Predicting Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in Athlete Girls Based on Early Maladaptive Schemas: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Problems and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation

Authors

1 Master of Clinical Psychology, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.

2 Department of Behavioral Sciences in Sport, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to determine a structural model for predicting premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in athlete girls based on early maladaptive schemas, with the mediating role of interpersonal problems and difficulties in emotion regulation.
Methods: In terms of purpose, the study was applied research, and methodologically it employed a descriptive correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all female athletes in Qom city in 2025, from whom 320 participants were selected using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Premenstrual Symptoms Assessment Scale, the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the short form of the Young Schema Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with SPSS‑23 and AMOS‑23 software.
Results: The results indicated that premenstrual syndrome symptoms were predicted by early maladaptive schemas through the mediating roles of interpersonal problems (Z = 3.73, P = 0.001) and difficulties in emotion regulation (Z = 4.11, P = 0.001) among athlete girls.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of interventions focused on schema modification, improvement of interpersonal skills, and strengthening emotion regulation to reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.
 

Keywords

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Sports Psychology
Volume 18, Issue 1
April 2026
Pages 18-34

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 17 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 22 June 2025

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