Representations of menstruation among female athletes: a qualitative study on the experience of menstruation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17627/ALKPSZICH.2023.1.27Keywords:
menstruation, menarche, sport, femininity, stigma, qualitative researchAbstract
Background and aims: The primary objective of this research is to explore and gain an understanding of how synchronized swimmers experience menstruation. While menstruation is a bio-psycho-social phenomenon, previous studies have primarily focused on the physiological and medical aspects of menstruation among athletes, often neglecting the psychological aspects.
Methods: The study involved eight women between the ages of 19 and 28 who were hobbylevel synchronized swimmers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, and the research design followed a qualitative approach within the theoretical framework of the postpositivist phenomenological paradigm. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Results: The interviews yielded four main themes, which revolved around the participants’synchronized swimming careers, their experiences of menstruation in relation to their sport, communication about menstruation, and the accompanying symptoms. The discussions primarily centered on topics such as tampon usage, concealment and secrecy around menstruation, taboos, inadequate information, and communication challenges. The attitudes towards menstruation varied among the participants and often displayed contradictory and ambivalent views. The physical and mental symptoms experienced during menstruation showed significant variations among individuals. Some participants reported that menstruation had an impact on their daily lives and synchronized swimming, sometimes perceiving it as a complicating factor or even using it as an excuse.
Discussion: The recorded interviews confirmed and aligned with the theoretical framework that menstruation is a bio-psycho-social process influenced by various factors. These factors include the subjective timing of menarche, preparedness, access to adequate information about menstruation, and the physical symptoms accompanying menstruation. The internalization of ambivalent societal messages contributes to the development of ambivalent attitudes towards menstruation. Due to inadequate sex education, many women do not fully understand the changes occurring in their bodies until years after their first menstruation.
