Attitudes of Women to Menopause: Implications for Counselling

Abstract

Menopause, a normal midlife transition for women remains poorly understood. This study examined the attitudes of women to menopause. A total of 300 married female teachers made up the sample for the study. Data was collected using the modified Attitude Towards Menopause (ATM) checklist. The responses of the participants were analyzed using simple percentages. The results showed that an overwhelming majority of the respondents indicated concern about how their husbands will feel about them after menopause (98%); women should see a doctor at menopause (91%); menopause is an unpleasant experience (83%) among others. The implications these findings have for counselling and counsellors were discussed. The focus was on the key strategies the counsellor should adopt in helping women to cope with menopause and also develop positive attitudes toward it.

Key Words:Menopause; Attitudes, Midlife; Aging; Counselling; Assertiveness training; Cognitive re-structuring; Values clarification.