A menopausal transition model based on transition theory

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to construct a hypothetical model based on Meleis and colleagues' Transition Theory and a literature review to explain women’s menopausal transition, constructing a modified model considering previous studies and model fit and testing the effects between variables. Methods With a correlational survey design, middle-aged Korean women aged 40 to 64 years who had experienced menopausal symptoms were recruited and filled out a self-administered study questionnaire. Measures included menopausal symptoms, resilience, social support, menopause management, menopause adaptation, and quality of life. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0. Results The model fit indices were considered acceptable: χ2/degree of freedom=2.93, standardized root mean residual=.07, comparative fit index=.90, and parsimonious normed fit index=.73. All eight direct-effect paths—from menopausal symptoms to support and adaptation, from support to adaptation and resilience, from resilience to adaptation and management, from management to quality of life, and from adaptation to quality of life—were significant. The explanatory power of the menopause transition model was 63.6%. Conclusion Women who experience menopausal symptoms may be able to maintain and improve their quality of life if menopause management and menopause adaptation are successful through resilience and social support. Future research is needed to confirm whether strengthening facilitation as a nursing intervention strategy may promote healthy response patterns.

Keywords

• middle-aged
• psychological adaptation
• psychological resilience
• quality of life
• social support