Abstract
The present study aimed to identify the role of different factors in menopausal depression in Pakistani women. We hypothesized that physical activity, regular exercise, social support, and attitudes towards aging and menopause would predict menopausal depression in women going through perimenopause. The sample consisted of 110 women (M age = 47.93 years) going through natural perimenopause. The Menopausal Symptoms Scale (Nadeem and Khalid 2012) and Social Support Questionnaire (Sarason et al. 1987) were administered along with a demographic questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the data. The results showed that higher physical activity level, satisfactory relationships with husband, and availability of social support significantly predicted lower menopause-related depression. However, satisfaction with social support did not significantly predict menopausal depression. We also observed that positive attitude towards aging and menopause was significantly correlated with decreased menopausal depression. The implications for the need to promote awareness among health professionals and the general population about menopausal symptoms in Pakistani women to improve their quality of life are discussed.
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This research was funded by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan as part of Indigenous PhD fellowship programs. Authors are thankful to HEC for financial support. This research is conducted in compliance with ethical standards of APA. There is no conflict of interest involved. The research was conducted at Department of Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. The authors are thankful to the participants of the study who extended their cooperation to participate in this study.
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Jamil, F., Khalid, R. Factors Contributing to Depression during Peri Menopause: Findings of a Pakistani Sample. Sex Roles 75, 612–622 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-016-0690-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-016-0690-2