Cultural Differences in Past Experiences and Attitudes Toward Menstruation Among Japanese and Thai Female University Students

James Alexander Gordon on 31st October 2025



Author Information

Rumi Matsushima, Kyoto Notre Dame University, Japan
Adisorn Juntrasook, Thammasat University, Thailand

Abstract

This study examined cultural differences in past experiences and attitudes toward menstruation among Japanese and Thai female university students. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2024 at Thammasat University in Thailand and in 2025 through an online survey in Japan (Japan: n = 166; Thailand: n = 106). The survey measured attitudes toward menstruation, educational experiences, satisfaction with menstrual education, awareness of coping strategies, menstrual-related difficulties, and personal feelings about menstruation. The results showed several cross-national differences. Japanese students reported greater hesitation in discussing menstruation and lower confidence in their knowledge. In contrast, Thai students demonstrated higher motivation and confidence regarding menstrual knowledge and more open communication about menstruation. However, Thai students also reported greater practical difficulties, particularly financial barriers to menstrual products and challenges related to school activities. These findings suggest that menstrual education policies should be adapted to social contexts, promoting open discussion and knowledge confidence in Japan while addressing structural barriers such as access to menstrual products in Thailand.


Paper Information

Conference: ACP2026
Stream: Psychology and Education

This paper is part of the ACP2026 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Matsushima R., & Juntrasook A. (2026) Cultural Differences in Past Experiences and Attitudes Toward Menstruation Among Japanese and Thai Female University Students ISSN: 2187-4743 – The Asian Conference on Psychology & the Behavioral Sciences 2026 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 191-201) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4743.2026.18
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4743.2026.18

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