University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring the Commonalities and Differences in Attitudes Towards Menopause Among Women of Different Age Groups
Hesker, Victoria (2024) Exploring the Commonalities and Differences in Attitudes Towards Menopause Among Women of Different Age Groups.
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Abstract: | Menopause is a natural transition that signifies the end of a woman’s fertility and menstrual cycles. Previous studies found that women’s attitudes towards menopause can influence the severity of experienced symptoms, with older women showing more positive attitudes than younger women. This study aimed to qualitatively identify the menopausal attitudes of women and to quantitatively compare them between younger and older women. The data was collected through an online survey that included the Attitudes towards Menopause (ATM) scale and open-ended questions to capture women’s views on menopause. A total of 60 women participated, with 30 participants from each age group. The thematic analysis revealed four main themes, including general perceptions of menopause, physical and psychological effects of menopause, women’s emotional response to menopause, and social challenges and representation in society. The results of the quantitative analysis indicated that older women had more positive attitudes compared to the younger participants, which was linked to the outcomes of the thematic analysis. Future studies could benefit from longitudinal designs including both age and menopausal status to explore menopausal attitudes over time. Moreover, intervention studies to educate society about menopause should address misconceptions to reduce feelings of distress and isolation among women. |
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/101245 |
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