Lead supervisor:
Prof Sally Holland 
Other supervisor(s):
- Dr Kate Marston
Start date: October 2022 (Full time)
Award: General
Subject Pathway:
Education
Thematic Cluster:
Language, Learning and Behaviour Cluster
Periods, preferences, and perceptions: Exploring young people’s menstrual experiences
My research investigates the socio-cultural factors that influence young people's menstrual experiences, focusing specifically on how they make decisions regarding menstrual health and product choices. Through a qualitative approach, this study aims to explore how personal preferences, societal pressures, and environmental concerns intersect to shape attitudes toward menstruation. By engaging young women in creative, participatory workshops, the research provides a platform for them to share their experiences, uncover the cultural and emotional dimensions of menstruation, and reflect on the broader societal influences that impact their decisions. Ultimately, the goal is to amplify the voices of young people, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding menstrual health in contemporary society.
Research Impact
The impact of this research lies in its potential to challenge and expand current understandings of menstrual health, particularly by centering the voices of young people. By exploring the socio-cultural factors influencing menstrual product choices, the study contributes valuable insights into how societal norms, environmental concerns, and individual experiences intersect to shape menstrual health decisions. This research will not only enhance academic knowledge but also offer practical implications for health education, policy-making, and development. By fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and nuanced dialogue around menstruation, the research aims to promote positive change in how menstrual health is understood and discussed, with a focus on reducing stigma and empowering young people to make informed, confident choices about their menstrual health.
Biography
I am a PhD candidate at Cardiff University, where my research focuses on understanding the socio-cultural factors influencing menstrual health and product choices among young people aged 18-25. My work aims to highlight and amplify the lived experiences of young people who menstruate, exploring how broader societal and cultural contexts shape their decisions about menstrual health.
Through creative and participatory methods, such as object elicitation interviews and workshops, I seek to engage participants in a meaningful way, allowing them to reflect on their experiences and share their stories. My research contributes to a deeper understanding of menstrual health, particularly in relation to the intersection of personal preferences and social influences, with the goal of informing both academic perspectives and practical initiatives for better supporting young people's menstrual health decisions.
Rwy’n ymgeisydd PhD ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd, lle mae fy ymchwil yn canolbwyntio ar ddeall y ffactorau cymdeithasol-ddiwylliannol sy’n dylanwadu ar iechyd mislif a dewisiadau cynnyrch ymhlith pobl ifanc 18-25 oed. Nod fy ngwaith yw amlygu ac ehangu profiadau bywyd pobl ifanc sy’n menstru, gan archwilio sut mae cyd-destunau cymdeithasol a diwylliannol ehangach yn llywio eu penderfyniadau am iechyd mislif.
Trwy ddulliau creadigol a chyfranogol, fel cyfweliadau a gweithdai i ennyn gwrthrychau, ceisiaf ymgysylltu â chyfranogwyr mewn ffordd ystyrlon, gan ganiatáu iddynt fyfyrio ar eu profiadau a rhannu eu straeon. Mae fy ymchwil yn cyfrannu at ddealltwriaeth ddyfnach o iechyd mislif, yn enwedig mewn perthynas â'r croestoriad rhwng dewisiadau personol a dylanwadau cymdeithasol, gyda'r nod o hysbysu safbwyntiau academaidd a mentrau ymarferol er mwyn cefnogi penderfyniadau iechyd mislif pobl ifanc yn well.