Social and Personal Aspects of Menstrual Stigma: The Role of Menstrual Status Disclosure Among the Student Population

Abstract

Although menstruation is a natural occurrence and an indicator of health and fertility, it is often accompanied by various forms of stigmatisation. This paper presents the results of research on personal and perceived stigmatisation of menstruation among students of the University of Zagreb. Menstrual stigmatisation was measured using vignettes. Data were collected in 2022 through a survey conducted as part of the UNIZG Cycle project. On a sample of 1,449 students, a statistically significant difference in stigmatisation levels was found depending on the disclosure of menstrual status, both on a personal
and social level. The results showed that stigmatisation is more pronounced when the protagonist’s menstrual status is disclosed. Personal stigmatisation was 13% when the status was disclosed, compared to 3.3% when it was not. Perceived social stigmatisation was even more pronounced, rising from 13% to 31%. Increased stigmatisation was also observed when the protagonist’s anger was attributed to hormonal changes. A weak positive correlation was found between personal and perceived social stigmatisation, slightly stronger when menstrual status was not disclosed. These findings confirm
the hypotheses of stronger stigmatisation when menstrual status is disclosed and the correlation between personal and social stigmatisation. This study contributes to the literature through an innovative methodological approach and findings that highlight the need for changes in social discourse and the promotion of open conversation about menstruation.