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Dispositional factors, coping and adaptation during menopause
1Department of Psychology and Sociology, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
Summary
Optimism and sense of coherence (SOC) directly reduce menopausal symptoms. These factors, along with health-related hardiness (HRH), indirectly influence symptom experience through problem-focused coping strategies during menopause.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Women's Health
- Menopause Studies
Background:
- Menopause significantly impacts women's health and well-being.
- Dispositional factors may influence symptom experience and adaptation.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for effective support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct and indirect effects of optimism, health-related hardiness (HRH), and sense of coherence (SOC) on menopausal symptoms.
- To explore the mediating roles of menopause attitudes and coping styles (emotion-focused vs. problem-focused).
Main Methods:
- Survey methodology with 176 peri- and postmenopausal women.
- Data collected from menopause clinics and family planning centers in Queensland, Australia.
- Emotional stability was statistically controlled to mitigate confounding effects.
Main Results:
- Optimism and SOC demonstrated a direct positive impact, with higher scores correlating to fewer reported menopausal symptoms.
- Health-related hardiness (HRH), optimism, and SOC indirectly influenced symptom experience primarily through problem-focused coping.
- No significant indirect effects were found through emotion-focused coping or attitudes toward menopause.
Conclusions:
- Dispositional factors significantly shape the menopausal experience and adaptation to midlife transitions.
- Promoting optimism and SOC in menopausal women can enhance adaptation.
- Healthcare professionals should consider these psychological factors in menopause management.