Men’s perceptions and attitudes toward their wives experiencing menopause

ABSTRACT

In this study, we explore men’s perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward wives experiencing natural menopause. We interviewed 20 men using the oral history method. Descriptive categories of experiences, such as misconceptions about menopause overcome through coexistence and recognition of women’s perspectives; recognition of women’s needs and efforts to provide support; coping with changes in marital relations and need to start a new time in couple’s life; and existence of several needs as husbands of women experiencing menopause were explored. A better understanding by men about the changes experienced by menopausal women fosters the development of a better emotional support for their wives, which improves the quality of marital relations.

KEYWORDS:

• Marital relationship
• men
• menopause
• qualitative research