Students' Retrospective Experiences with Menstruation in the K-12 Setting

Date of Award

8-15-2026

Degree Name

Ed.S. in School Psychology

Department

Department of Counselor Education & Human Services

Advisor/Chair

Laura T. Miller

Abstract

Menstrual experiences and school experiences can mutually impact each other. This phenomenological study sought to understand the experiences of 7 menstruators through semi- structured interviews. Two research questions included: 1) What are students’ experiences with menstruation? and 2) How do menstrual experiences impact students in the K-12 setting? Findings indicated four major themes: societal experiences, learning, health, and future needs. Participants’ experiences were impacted by how their surrounding culture viewed menstruation, and they described school cultures that predominately supported negative views of menstruation. However, participants reportedly found supportive and celebratory communities with their friends and families. Participants reported inadequate menstrual education in the school setting, often relying on parents, friends, siblings, or online resources to learn necessary information and skills relating to menstruation. In addition, participants felt unprepared or uninformed in regards to health issues based on their menstrual education. Health issues were reported from almost all participants, which impacted physical, mental, and emotional health, and affected students’ experiences and ability to participate in school. Finally, participants expressed needs that were not met for them during their schooling, some of which included: access to products, time to care for menstrual hygiene, pain management materials, and a “safe person”. These were considered needs to be addressed in the future. Additionally, several participants shared how they were working to meet these needs themselves for younger menstruators. As a whole, this research demonstrates how menstrual issues in the K-12 setting can impact students.

Keywords

Education, Educational Psychology, Gender, Gender Studies, Health

Rights Statement

Copyright 2026, author

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