Dispositional factors, coping and adaptation during menopause

The objective of the study was to examine the direct and indirect influences of dispositional factors, namely optimism, health-related hardiness (HRH) and sense of coherence (SOC), on the symptom experiences of peri- and postmenopausal women. Indirect effects of dispositional factors were examined via attitudes to the menopause and coping (emotion-versus problem-focused). A survey methodology was employed to assess the research objective for 176 peri- and postmenopausal women recruited from menopause clinics and family planning centers in Queensland, Australia. Emotional stability of the subjects was statistically controlled to eliminate any possible confounding effect on symptom reporting. The results indicated that optimism and SOC affect menopausal health directly, as evidenced by fewer symptoms reported by women scoring highly on these dispositions. Any indirect effect of HRH, optimism and SOC appears to be exerted via problem-focused coping rather than emotion-focused coping or through attitudes. It was concluded that dispositional factors are important to the experience of the menopause and how women adapt to their midlife transition. Psychologists and professionals working in menopause clinics may need to promote feelings of optimism and a sense of coherence in menopausal women, to facilitate better adaptation to this important transitional phase in women's lives.