University of Twente Student Theses
The Moderating Role of Physical Activity in the Relationship between Symptom Severity and Well-Being in Women during their Menopause
Nohlen, T. (2024) The Moderating Role of Physical Activity in the Relationship between Symptom Severity and Well-Being in Women during their Menopause.
|
PDF
452kB |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Menopause is a challenging stage in life, characterised by the cessation of the menstrual cycle and associated with menopausal symptoms that might affect women's well-being. Although physical activity is recognised to reduce these menopausal symptoms, its role as a moderating factor is poorly explored. Therefore, this study investigates the association between the severity of menopausal symptoms and well-being while examining whether physical activity moderates this relationship. Method: This cross-sectional study assessed menopausal symptoms in 53 women using the Menopause Rating Scale and evaluated their well-being through the Mental Health Continuum—Short Form. Physical activity levels were measured through a researcher-constructed item. Data were analysed through regression models to test the relationship between menopausal symptom severity, well-being, and the moderating effect of physical activity on these variables. Results: The analysis revealed a significant negative association between menopausal symptom severity and well-being (b = -.41, SE = 0.13, t = -3.02, p = .004). Psychological menopausal symptoms had a significant negative impact on well-being (b = -0.40, SE = 0.11, t = -3.56, p < .001), while somatic, - and urogenital symptoms did not show significant effects. Physical activity did not significantly moderate the relationship between menopausal symptom severity and well-being (b = -.04, SE = .05, t = -.80, p = .428). Conclusion: The study confirmed that menopausal symptoms, particularly psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and exhaustion, negatively influence well-being. However, physical activity did not moderate this effect. Despite some insignificant results, the widespread prevalence of menopausal symptoms in women and their association with reduced well-being emphasise the need for continued research in this area. Keywords: Menopausal Symptoms, Somatic, - Psychological, - Urogenital Symptoms, Well-being, Physical Activity |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/99982 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page