Biological rhythms: infradian AO3

Question 1

explain how the evolutionary basis is a strength to infradian rhythms

Answer 1

• menstrual synchrony research may be explained by natural selection.
• synchronisation of the menstrual cycle is thought to have evolutionary value since our distant ancestors it may have been advantageous for them to menstruate together and become pregnant at the same time.
• in a social group, this would allow babies who had lost their mothers during or after childbirth to have access to breast milk improving their chances of surviving.
• suggests synchronisation is an adaptive strategy

Question 2

how are methodological limitations a limitation in synchronisation studies?

Answer 2

• there are many factors which may change the menstrual cycle including stress, changes in diet, exercise etc. These may act as confounding variables which mean that any supposed pattern of synchronisation is. o more than would have been expected to occur by chance. This may explain why other studies (e.g Trevathan et al. (1993) have failed to replicate findings.
  This suggests that studies into menstrual synchrony are flawed

Question 3

explain the real world application for Infradian rhythms

Answer 3

• one of the most effective treatments for seasonal affective disorder is light therapy, a box which stimulates very strong light to reset the body’s internal clock. Studies show this helps reduce the effects of SAD bc it is regarded as a safe space
• although it can produce headaches and eye strain. Perhaps more tellingly, Rohan et al. (2009) recorded a relapse rate of 46% over successive winters compared to 27% in a comparison group receiving CBT