Author ORCID Identifier:

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1011-5709

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Psychological Science

Advisor/Mentor

Makhanova, Anastasia

Committee Member

Bridges, Ana

Second Committee Member

Beike, Denise

Keywords

Academic Motivation; Bonding Motivation; Daily Diary; Evolutionary Psychology; Menstrual Cycle; Motivation

Abstract

This study examined whether the biological context of the menstrual cycle predicted overwhelming feelings due to competing bonding and achievement motivations (i.e., motivational conflict). Building on the motivational shift hypothesis, it was predicted that the luteal phase, characterized by elevated progesterone and heightened bonding motivation, would be associated with more overwhelming feelings from motivational conflict. To assess potential changes across the menstrual cycle, a within-person design was used where women reported their overwhelming feelings daily. Primary analyses did not support the hypothesis. Overwhelming feelings from motivational conflict did not differ across cycle phases. However, the expected mid-cycle peak in sexual desire was replicated which confirms the cycle phase classifications. Furthermore, exploratory analyses suggest that relationship status may shape how overwhelming feelings change across the menstrual cycle. That is, women in relationships show elevated overwhelming feelings during the peri-ovulatory phase and single women show a decline in overwhelming feelings across the cycle. Additionally, partner quality time buffered overwhelming feelings due to motivational conflict, but the effect was attenuated in the peri-ovulatory phase. These findings suggest that cycle-related motivational shifts may operate through interpersonal context rather than as universal hormonal effects.

Download

Share

COinS