Quality of life and menopause: Developing a theoretical model based on meaning in life, self-efficacy beliefs, and body image

Abstract

Goal: There are various views on variables that influence quality of life, such as meaning in life, self-efficacy, and body image (including body area satisfaction, health evaluation, and appearance evaluation), in menopausal women. This study looked at the relationships among these variables both in terms of their codetermination and intensity of relationship to quality of life.

Methods: The research study included menopausal women (45–55 years old) who lived in the city of Tehran and had at least a high school education. The sample consisted of 349 women selected at random from the attendees of cultural centers in the city of Tehran during June 2009–December 2009. Each participant completed four questionnaires, including a questionnaire on meaning in life [Salehi, M. (1994). Evaluating the issue of adolescents and the youth from the view of humanistic psychologists (Psychology PhD dissertation). Islamic Azad University, Research and Sciences Campus, Tehran.], general self-efficacy, multidimensional relation of self and body, and quality of life (sf-36). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships among variables. Path analysis was used to study the direct and indirect effects of variables as cause. A primary hypothetical model was developed that included the expected relationships among the variables. Confirmation or rejection of the expected relationships in the model was determined after executing the questionnaires and scoring the data.

Results: The model fitness was analyzed using various methods. Results showed that there is a significant direct relationship between quality of life and meaning in life, self-efficacy, body area satisfaction, and health evaluation. In addition, the model predicted 33% of quality of life variance in menopausal women. The best predictors were body area satisfaction, health evaluation, and self-efficacy. Step-by-step regression analysis confirmed the results.

Conclusion: Based on our results, there is a direct and meaningful relationship between the independent variables of this study and the quality of life. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of life in menopausal women, one or all of these variables needs to be improved.

Keywords:

• quality of life
• menopausal women
• meaning in life
• self-efficacy
• body image
• body area satisfaction
• health evaluation
• appearance evaluation