Ditzen

Fakultäten » Philosophische Fakultät » Psychologisches Institut » Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie » Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ehlert » Ditzen

Completed research project

Title / Titel	Relationship Quality and Perceived Attractiveness over the Course of the Menstrual Cycle
PDF	Abstract (PDF, 14 KB)
Original title / Originaltitel	Partnerschaftsqualität und Attraktivitätseinschätzung im Verlauf des Menstruationsszyklus
Summary / Zusammenfassung	Purpose of the Study: Relationship quality was shown to predict not only the stability of the relationship, but individual health and longevity in humans. Conversely, studies on attachment motivation during the course of the menstrual cycle imply that relationship quality itself might be influenced by biological factors. In addition research suggests that the evaluation of the attractiveness (own attractiveness and attractiveness of the significant other) might depend on menstrual cycle-related shifts in ovarian hormones. Methods: In a prospective design over the course of four weeks, we asked 100 women to weekly evaluate their relationship, mood, and the attractiveness of pictures. Women provided information about hormonal contraceptives, relationship criteria and their menstrual cycle status. Menstrual cycle phases (luteal phase, menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulatory phase) were assigned based on the onset of the last period.
Keywords / Suchbegriffe	Relationship Satisfaction, Hormonal Contraceptives, Attractiveness, Menstrual Cycle
Project leadership and contacts / Projektleitung und Kontakte	Dr. Beate Ditzen, PhD (Project Leader) b.ditzen@psychologie.uzh.ch Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ehlert, PhD u.ehlert@psychologie.uzh.ch
Funding source(s) / Unterstützt durch	Others Intradepartmental funding
In collaboration with / In Zusammenarbeit mit	Prof. Dr. Markus Heinrichs, Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Psychological Institute, University of Zurich Switzerland
Duration of Project / Projektdauer	Jan 2007 to Jan 2008