University of Twente Student Theses
Cultural Perceptions of Menopause : A Comparative Study of Dutch and Turkish Women
Kazanci, Ayşenur (2024) Cultural Perceptions of Menopause : A Comparative Study of Dutch and Turkish Women.
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Abstract: | Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman's life, marked by physiological, psychological, and social changes that impact mental well-being. Attitudes towards menopause can influence well-being and vary across cultures. This study explores these variations between Dutch and Turkish women and examines the relationship between their attitudes and mental well-being. A mixed-methods design collected data from 25 Dutch and 25 Turkish women through online surveys. Qualitatively, participants shared their thoughts on menopause through open-ended questions. Quantitatively, the Attitude Towards Menopause (ATM) scale and the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF) scale were used to measure attitudes and mental well-being.Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis: general beliefs about menopause, physical and psychological changes, and social representation. Quantitative analysis showed no significant differences in menopausal attitudes between the groups, both expressing predominantly negative views. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between menopausal attitudes and overall mental well-being. However, qualitative analysis indicated that most attitudes were similar, with small differences, and revealed significant relationships between certain attitudes and emotional and social well-being. This study highlights the need for increased education and awareness about menopause to address negative perceptions and societal taboos, emphasizing better support systems for women undergoing this transition. |
Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
Subject: | 77 psychology |
Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100257 |
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