Graduation Date
Summer 2019
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Psychology, option Academic Research
Committee Chair Name
Amanda Hahn
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Christopher Aberson
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Carrie Aigner
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Subject Categories
Psychology
Abstract
Combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills are widely used by women of reproductive age, but there is still little conclusive evidence that exists about the mood-related side effects associated with their use. This meta-analysis examined the relationship between oral contraceptive use and mood effects such as depression and anxiety to determine what role, if any, that COCs may have in the worsening or improvement of women’s mood when taking them. Effect sizes compared the differences in women’s mood scores before taking COCs and after one or more cycles of use. Seventeen studies made up of 25 individual samples contributed 71 effect sizes for this analysis. The results suggest that COCs tend to contribute to a small but significant improvement in women’s overall moods. However, methodological challenges and inconsistencies make it difficult for researchers to establish any firm conclusions about the role COCs play in mood changes.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Motter, Erica M., "The effects of oral contraceptives on mood and affect: a meta-analysis" (2019). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 305.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/305
IRB approval
Included in
Biological Psychology Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Quantitative Psychology Commons