title: Investigating how menopausal factors and self-compassion shape well-being: An exploratory path analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A large body of work has investigated the relationship between menopausal factors and negative well-being (e.g. anxiety and depressive symptoms), but less is known about positive well-being and its correlates among midlife women. This study tests two models with both positive and negative well-being indices as outcomes: the first included menopausal factors as predictors; the second model expanded the first by adding self-compassion, a protective trait, as a predictor and moderator.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study based on self-report questionnaires from 206 women aged 40-60, currently experiencing hot flushes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hot flush interference ratings, emotional balance, satisfaction with life, eudaimonic well-being and depressive symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In model one, menopausal stage and hot flush frequency were independent of well-being outcomes. Beliefs about perceived control over menopause was the strongest predictor of well-being (β range: .22-.32), followed by hot flush interference ratings (β range: .15-.33). In model two, self-compassion was the strongest predictor of well-being indices (β range: .20-.39), followed by beliefs about control (β range: .16-.20) and interference ratings (β range: .17-.26).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Psychological aspects of the menopause appear more strongly linked to well-being than physiological aspects such as menopausal stage and hot flush frequency. Specifically, self-compassion, feeling in control of menopause and low interference ratings are three factors that are associated with well-being among midlife women. These aspects could be considered in tandem, as a means to support well-being in the context of menopause.
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Redmond Barry Building, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. Electronic address: lydiaab@unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Redmond Barry Building, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Centre for Women's Mental Health, Royal Women's Hospital, Locked Bag 300, Grattan St & Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia. Electronic address: Christina.Bryant@thewomens.org.au.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bryant
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Redmond Barry Building, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. Electronic address: vbrown2@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Redmond Barry Building, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Centre for Women's Mental Health, Royal Women's Hospital, Locked Bag 300, Grattan St & Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Level 1 North, Main Block, Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC 3050, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Building 17, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, University, VIC 3800, Australia. Electronic address: bei.bei@monash.edu.
authors.forename: Bei
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bei
authors.affiliation: Centre for Women's Mental Health, Royal Women's Hospital, Locked Bag 300, Grattan St & Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Level 1 North, Main Block, Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC 3050, Australia. Electronic address: Fiona.Judd@thewomens.org.au.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Judd
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Hot flushes; Menopause transition; Midlife; Self-compassion; Well-being