Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the fit of a predictive model of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in physical education students based on family functioning, with the mediating roles of resilience and sense of coherence.

Methods: The statistical population consisted of all female students at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan from which 270 participants were selected using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Premenstrual Symptoms Scale, the McMaster Family Assessment Device, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (Flensborg-Madsen et al., 2006). Data were analyzed using path analysis.

Results: The results showed that PMS symptoms in female students are predicted by family functioning (β=-0.258, P=0.001), by resilience (β=-0.418, P=0.001), and by sense of coherence (β = -0.389, P = 0.001). Family functioning was predicted by resilience (β = 0.338, P = 0.001) and by sense of coherence (β=0.354, P=0.001). Furthermore, PMS symptoms in female students were predicted by family functioning through the mediating roles of resilience and sense of coherence (β=-0.279, P=0.001). The findings indicated that family functioning, both directly and indirectly (via resilience and sense of coherence), is able to predict PMS symptoms in students.

Conclusion: Given the role of physical activity in the field of physical education, regular exercise programs and training in psychological skills based on resilience and sense of coherence can be used as an effective strategy to reduce the severity of PMS symptoms in students.