Infradian rhythms Flashcards
What could affect the timing of the menstrual cycle?
Pheromones
What are pheromones?
A chemical secreted by an organism which is detected by another of the same species
What is research evidence for pheromones?
Stern and Mclintock
What was Stern and Mclintock’s study?
They took samples from armpits of women with irregular periods during different stages of their menstrual cycle, then rubbed the pheromones on the upper lip of other women
What were Stern and Mclintock’s findings?
68% of women experienced changes that brought them closer to the stage of cycle of the person they recieved pheromones fom
What are limitations of Stern and Mclintock’s study?
Confirmation bias, lack of supporting evidence, no true synchronisation, direct dose of pheromones which is unnatural and small sample
What is confirmation bias?
Participants self-reported and noticed when synchronisation occurs but not when it doesnt
What are the benefits of synchronisation?
If one mother dies, another baby can be fed by another mother so more young survive
Why is synchronisation not beneficial?
Mothers and babies are more vulnerable so more danger and more competition between males.
What is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder - a depressive disorder which has a seasonal pattern of onset
What are the symptoms of SAD?
Low mood and a general lack of activity and interest in life
What causes SAD?
In the winter, the number of daylight hours are reduced and the lack of light in the morning means melatonin is secreted for longer
What is treatment for SAD?
Light therapy - a box which stimulates strong light to reset the body’s internal clock
What is research evidence for SAD?
Light therapy reduces effect of sad in 80% of people - Sanassi
How does light box treatment wok?
White light replicates sunshine
