[Prediction model on mental health status in middle-aged women of an urban area].
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to construct a structural model for explaining mental health status in middle-aged women.


METHODS
The data was collected by self-reported questionnaires from 206 middle-aged women in Seoul. Data analysis was done with the SAS pc program for descriptive statistics and a PC-LISREL Program for finding the best fit model which assumes causal relationships among variables.


RESULTS
The overall fit of the hypothetical model to the data was good, but paths and variables of the model were modified by considering theoretical implications and statistical significances of parameter estimates. Thus it was modified by excluding 3 paths. The modified model showed was good fit to the data(chi(2)=177.55, p=.00), GFI=0.908, AGFI=0.860, RMR=0.013, NFI=0.972, NNFI=0.982). Perceived stress, anger expression method, and self-esteem were found to have direct effects on mental health status in middle-aged women. These predictive variables of mental health status explained 66.6% of the model.


CONCLUSIONS
Programs to enhance mental health status in middle-aged women should include stress management skill, anger expression skill, and self-esteem enhancement skills to be effective.
Lee
Pyong Sook
PS
College of Nursing, Korea University, Korea.
Sohn
Jung Nam
JN
Lee
Yong Mi
YM
Kang
Hyun Cheol
HC
D000328:Adult; D000786:Anger; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population