The Moderating Role of Age Beliefs on the Relationships Between Physical Symptoms, Depression, and Irritability in Menopausal Women

BackgroundMenopause, defined as 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.MethodsThe 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), while controlling for age and positive and negative affect.ResultsNegative age beliefs strengthened, and positive age beliefs weakened, the relationship between physical symptoms of menopause and irritability. However, age beliefs did not moderate the relationship between physical symptoms and depression.ConclusionsThese results indicate that positive age beliefs play a protective role in distressing menopause experiences.