Relationship between Type-D personality, physical activity behaviour and climacteric symptoms.

Area of Science:

• Menopause Research
• Psychology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Climacteric symptoms vary significantly among peri- and post-menopausal women.
• Factors influencing symptom variation include personality and physical activity.
• The study investigates Type-D personality and different modes of physical activity's impact on these symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the influence of Type-D personality on climacteric symptoms.
• To assess the impact of various physical activity modes (household, occupational, active living, sport/exercise) on menopausal symptoms.
• To identify potential moderators for alleviating menopausal symptomology.

Main Methods:

• 213 peri- and post-menopausal women (mean age 52.2 years) completed questionnaires.
• Assessed Type-D personality using the DS14.
• Measured physical activity via the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey and climacteric symptoms using the Greene Climacteric Scale.

Main Results:

• Type-D personality and high household physical activity correlated with increased symptom bother.
• Increased sport/exercise participation reduced psychological, somatic/physical, and sexual symptoms.
• Active living inversely related to somatic/physical symptoms; lower income and peri-menopausal status associated with more symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Mode of physical activity significantly moderates climacteric symptoms.
• Type-D personality is linked to negative health outcomes, including exacerbated menopausal symptoms.
• Interventions and regular exercise are recommended for menopausal women with Type-D personality to reduce symptom burden.