Life patterns of women transitioning through menopause: a Newman research study.

The purpose of this study was recognition of a unitary pattern emergent within the lives of women transitioning through menopause. This research as praxis method study included 10 women transitioning through menopause. The findings showed that participants recognized unitary pattern within their unique life patterns. Unitary pattern also emerged through three themes which were coming to terms with losses and unexpected gains, increasing awareness of time passing, and concentrating on health and vitality. The findings were connected to the theory of health as expanding consciousness, thereby contributing to nursing knowledge, expanding the theory, and enhancing understanding of unitary pattern.