Predictors of psychological well-being and stress among Jordanian menopausal women.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate purpose in life, self-acceptance, perceived stress levels, and menopausal symptoms among Jordanian women.

METHODS

A descriptive, correlational design with a convenience sample of 193 women aged 40-55 years was employed.

RESULTS

The average age at menopause for the current sample was 47.4 years, and menopausal status did not significantly affect purpose in life, self-acceptance, or perceived stress levels. Negative correlations were found between purpose in life and perceived stress, and between self-acceptance and perceived stress (r = -0.49; p = 0.01 and r = -0.58; p = 0.01, respectively). Menopausal symptoms were found to be a strong negative predictor of purpose in life, self-acceptance, and perceived stress levels. In addition, higher health rating was significantly associated with higher psychological well-being and lower perceived stress levels. Perimenopause was found to be a vulnerable stage for severe menopausal symptoms particularly psychological complaints. However, vasomotor symptoms and loss of sexual interest became more intense among postmenopausal women. Although women in the current study had low psychological well-being and high perceived stress, these were not affected by their menopausal status.

CONCLUSION

The study showed the importance of including both physical and psychological symptoms during encounters with health professionals, besides considering women's expectations about menopause to help ease their menopausal transition and improve their well-being.