Creativity and Interoception in the Menstrual Cycle

The planned study investigates cycle-dependent changes and associations between creativity, interoception, and premenstrual syndrome in menstruating individuals. Data will be collected using an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design, combining standardized physiological cycle measurements (basal body temperature, ovulation tests) with psychological self-reports and standardized tasks (mood, interoception, creative originality). The dataset will support two Master’s theses, each focusing on a different aspect. Focus 1: Creativity The creativity study examines whether creative originality changes over the course of the hormone cycle. Creative originality is measured in the EMA context at a minimum of 3 alarms per day. Mood is also recorded so that it can be examined later as a possible mediator. A positive correlation between creative originality and proximity to ovulation is expected. In addition, mood is expected to correlate positively with creative originality and to increase with proximity to ovulation. This pattern of mood change could partially mediate the creativity-enhancing effect of ovulation. Focus 2: Interoception This Master’s thesis will examine the relationship between interoception and PMS symptoms across the menstrual cycle. Both interoceptive sensitivity (attention to bodily sensations) and interoceptive valence (pleasantness of these bodily sensations) will be assessed. It is expected that there will be a positive association between interoceptive sensitivity and PMS symptoms in the luteal phase, and that interoceptive sensitivity will predict physical PMS symptoms more strongly than affective or behavioral symptoms. Furthermore, interoceptive sensitivity is expected to influence interoceptive valence across the cycle, resulting in lower valence (more negative perception) in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase.