The Moderating Effect of Age Beliefs on the Relationship between Menopause and Distress

Menopause, the cessation of ovarian function and female reproduction, is associated with both physical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, hot flashes) and emotional distress symptoms (e.g., depression, irritability). Although these associations are well documented, there is less research investigating the role of cognition in the relationship between physical menopausal symptoms and feelings of depression and irritability. The current study used a nationwide cross-sectional survey of menopausal women (N = 227) to investigate age beliefs as a cognitive moderator of the relationship between physical symptoms of menopause (general and vasomotor) and emotional distress (depression and irritability). Negative age beliefs strengthened, and positive age beliefs weakened, the relationship between menopause symptoms and irritability. However, age beliefs did not moderate the relationship between physical symptoms and depression. These results indicate that positive age beliefs play a protective role against distressing menopause experiences. Treatment of peri-menopausal women may benefit from careful attention to cognitions about aging.