J Menopausal Med.  2015 Dec;21(3):133-141. 10.6118/jmm.2015.21.3.133.

Psychological Resources and Self-rated Health Status on Fifty-year-old Women

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Humanistic Sciencies in Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland. agnieszkakotala1@gazeta.pl

Abstract


OBJECTIVES
The aim of the study is to expand knowledge about predictors of the self-rated health and mental health in fifty-year-old women. The study exploring links between self-rated mental/health and optimism, self-esteem, acceptance of the changes in physical look and some sociodemographic factors.
METHODS
Participants in this study were 209 women aged 50 to 59. A single-items measures of self-rated health and mental health were used. Self-esteem was measured through the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; optimism through the OPEB questionnaire; acceptance of the changes in physical look was rated by respondents on a seven-point scale. Participants were also asked about weight loss attempts, the amount of leisure time, and going on vacation during the last year.
RESULTS
Predictors of the self-rated mental health in women in the age range of 50 to 59 were: acceptance of the changes in physical look, self-esteem and optimism. Predictors of the self-rated health were: optimism and acceptance of the changes in physical look.
CONCLUSION
Optimism and acceptance of the changes in physical look seem to be important factors that may impact subjective health both physical and mental of women in their 50s. The role of the leisure time and vacation in instilling the subjective health requires further investigation.

Keyword

Health status; Mental health; Middle aged; Self concept; Self-assessment

MeSH Terms

Surveys and Questionnaires
Female
Humans
Leisure Activities
Mental Health
Middle Aged
Self Concept
Self-Assessment
Weight Loss

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