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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can disrupt women’s work process, social activities and interpersonal communication and lead to a lower quality of life (QOL). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of happiness training based on Fordyce’s theory on QOL and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) in women with PMS.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 100 women (intervention = 50, control = 50). The intervention group participated in eight 120-min sessions of training counseling based on Fordyce happiness training. The participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the PANAS and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). A general linear model was used to compare the mean scores of QOL and positive and negative affect after the intervention.

After the intervention, the mean scores of negative affect [MD = −6.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −12.10 to −1.49] and body pain (MD = −26.19; 95% CI = −38.63 to −13.72) were significantly lower in the intervention compared to the control group. Also, the mean scores of physical functioning (MD = 42.0; 95% CI = 16.37 to 67.64) and vitality (MD = 10.40; 95% CI = 4.86 to 15.39) were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the controls.

Fordyce happiness training is recommended to be used in conjunction with other supportive and caregiving methods for women with PMS. Midwifes and nurses are the main source to give this training to women and can help them perform cognitive tasks, such as concentration, positive thinking and negative emotions.

This randomized controlled trial suggests Fordyce happiness training as a feasible and acceptable training program that can be beneficial in reducing negative affect in women with PMS.