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An Examination of the Interaction Between Hormonal Contraceptive Use, Behaviour, and Psychology
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- Author / Creator
- Irvine, Taylor B
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The objective of the following studies was to investigate the associations of hormonal contraceptives (HC) with several psychological, behavioural, and hormonal variables. Previous research has suggested that HCs may be linked with a wide variety of changes in women, including increases in borderline-like symptomology, altered partner preferences, and blunted stress responses. In the current studies, I examine differences between HC users, naturally cycling (NC) women with either low or high estrogen depending on their phase in their menstrual cycle, and intrauterine device (IUD) users. I found little support for the hypothesis that HC use increases borderline-like symptoms, and no change in partner preference between HC users and NC women. However, I did find an interaction between HC usage, subjective stress, and salivary cortisol levels. I also found several differences in psychological traits between HC users and IUD users. Limitations of the current studies are discussed and directions for future research are considered.
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- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2019
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- Permission is hereby granted to the University of Alberta Libraries to reproduce single copies of this thesis and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. Where the thesis is converted to, or otherwise made available in digital form, the University of Alberta will advise potential users of the thesis of these terms. The author reserves all other publication and other rights in association with the copyright in the thesis and, except as herein before provided, neither the thesis nor any substantial portion thereof may be printed or otherwise reproduced in any material form whatsoever without the author's prior written permission.