Effect of Motivational Interviewing and Digital Support on Premenstrual Symptoms and Emotion Regulation

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week support program that combines face-to-face motivational interviewing with weekly WhatsApp messages in reducing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and improving emotion regulation among university students. The study was conducted with 70 female students enrolled in the Nursing Department of Erzurum Technical University in Türkiye. Eligible participants are identified using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and those scoring above 110 are considered to have PMS. Students who meet the inclusion criteria and volunteer to participate are randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=35) or the control group (n=35), using a computer-based randomization tool. Housing locations (e.g., dorm rooms or homes) are considered to prevent cross-contamination between groups. All participants complete three forms: a Personal Information Form (to gather data on sociodemographic, menstrual, and lifestyle characteristics), the PMSS (to assess PMS severity), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - Short Form (DERS-16). These are completed before the intervention and again at 8 weeks. The intervention group receives weekly one-on-one motivational interviews and supportive WhatsApp messages based on the principles of Motivational Interviewing as defined by Miller and Rollnick (2012). No medical treatments or devices are used in this study. Participation is voluntary, and informed written consent is obtained from all students. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of Erzurum Technical University.