Citation

Suzuki J, Takeda F, Kishi K, Monma T. Women Health 2018; 58(5): 534-547.

Affiliation

University of Tsukuba , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03630242.2017.1321606

PMID

28448248

Abstract

In middle age, some people may become mentally or emotionally unstable. Additionally, in Japan, mood disorders, such as depressive symptoms, occur mostly among middle-aged women (i.e., aged 40-49 years). However, few studies have examined stressors related to mental health (a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community). In the present research, we developed a stressor scale for middle-aged women (SSMW) and examined stressors correlated with middle-aged women's mental health. In January 2015, an anonymous, self-administered survey was mailed to 1,000 randomly selected women aged 45 through 64 years living in Tokyo, Japan. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 329 women (32.9%). Factor analysis identified the following stressor categories: 'relationship with my husband', 'uneasiness about old age', 'health concerns', 'work-life balance', and 'relationship with my friends'. 'Uneasiness about old age' and 'health concerns' were correlated negatively with participants' mental health. Improving middle-aged women's health requires interventions that relieve stressors resulting from age-related problems and promote a positive image of old age.

Language: en

Keywords

Japan; mental health; middle-aged women; stressors