Assessment of the reliability of and the effect of neutral instructions on the symptom ratings on the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire.

The Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) Form T, was analyzed for split-half and test-retest reliability. Also, an Experimental Group (N = 47)received neutral instructions to determine if knowledge of the purpose of the questionnaire would affect symptom ratings. Results indicated that the MDQ is internally consistent and does have high test-retest reliability. Also, altered instructions did not significantly affect symptom ratings. However, the MDQ, Form T, was not able to differentiate between Ss who were in different menstrual cycle phases when completing the questionnaire. It is suggested that Form T be used instead as originally intended to compare the ratings of different Ss in different cycle phases.