The relationship between partner attachment, psychological well-being, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to determine the relationship between menopausal symptoms experienced by postmenopausal women and their levels of spousal attachment and psychological well-being. Methods: This descriptive research was conducted with 1334 postmenopausal women. Data were collected using the Personal Introduction Form, Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory-II (ECR-R), Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWS) and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients. Results: The mean age of the participants was 58.38 ± 7.41 years, and the mean age at menopause was 48.9 ± 3.73 years. A low-level positive correlation was found between menopausal symptoms and both anxious (r =.286, p <.001) and avoidant spousal attachment (r =.182, p <.001). Conversely, a low-level negative correlation was identified between menopausal symptoms and psychological well-being (r=−.220, p <.001). These findings indicate that higher insecure partner attachment is associated with increased menopausal symptoms, whereas higher psychological well-being is associated with fewer symptoms. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of psychosocial factors in the menopausal experience. Higher insecure partner attachment was associated with increased menopausal symptoms, whereas higher psychological well-being was associated with fewer symptoms. Interventions targeting emotional support, relationship quality, and psychological well-being may be relevant areas for future research. Future studies should include diverse populations and examine additional factors such as social support, marital satisfaction, and lifestyle characteristics to better understand their relationship with menopausal health.