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Factors contributing to positive mood during the menopausal transition
L Dennerstein1, P Lehert, E Dudley
1Royal Melbourne Hospital, Office for Gender and Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|February 28, 2001
Summary
Positive mood in mid-aged women remains stable during menopause. Early menopause transition is affected by stress and attitudes toward aging, while later stages depend on prior mood and life factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Women's Health
Background:
- The menopausal transition is a significant life stage for mid-aged women.
- Understanding factors influencing positive mood during this period is crucial for well-being.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the longitudinal predictors of positive mood during menopause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify variables impacting women's positive mood during the menopausal transition.
- To analyze the stability of positive mood over time.
- To explore early and late menopausal phase-specific influences on mood.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study with nine annual assessments.
- Population-based sample of 267 Australian mid-aged women.
- Analysis of covariance and structural equation modelling were used.
Main Results:
- Positive mood scores remained stable and were not significantly related to menopausal transition, age, or education.
- In early menopause, interpersonal stress and negative attitudes toward aging adversely affected positive mood.
- Positive mood in late peri-/postmenopause was predicted by premenopausal positive mood, changes in dysphoric symptoms, major life events, daily hassles, marital status, and work satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Positive mood during the menopausal transition is influenced by a complex interplay of psychological and social factors.
- Early life stress and attitudes can negatively impact mood, while maintaining positive mood pre-menopause is a strong predictor for later stages.
- Interventions targeting stress, life events, and promoting positive attitudes may support women's emotional well-being during menopause.