Health and personal satisfaction for women at midlife: a middle-range theory

Midlife represents a critical developmental phase for women, characterized by significant physiological, psychological, and social transitions that can profoundly impact their overall well-being. These transitions, such as the menopausal process, shifting family dynamics, and evolving professional roles, can significantly impact a woman's sense of personal satisfaction and contentment, which in turn can substantially impact their overall health and well-being. The current study explores the intricate relationship between personal satisfaction and health outcomes in women at midlife, proposing a middle-range theory to illustrate this connection.

This middle-range theory was developed using a deductive approach, informed by a nursing conceptual model, namely King's Conceptual System, and a comprehensive review of the relevant literature on the phenomenon.

The synthesis of the literature outlines the impact of various personal satisfaction dimensions on physical and mental health outcomes in women at midlife, which supports the application of the proposed theory as a guiding theory.

The proposed theory provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers seeking to promote the health and well-being of women at midlife, addressing the critical need for comprehensive and individualized approaches to healthcare that acknowledge the significance of personal satisfaction as a determinant of overall health.