Easing the transition : the role of physical activity and social support in managing stress, mood, and cognition during perimenopause : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Perimenopause is characterised by hormone fluctuation and rapid change. These changes can result in a collection of physiological and psychological symptoms. While for some women the menopausal transition is a non-event or mild discomfort for others this time can be extremely distressing. This thesis aimed to explore the relationships that indicators of physical activity and social support have with the frequency and severity of key negative mood and cognitive symptoms of perimenopause in women aged between 45 and 55 years. Also examined was whether increases in physical activity and social support decreased perceived stress, which may inform how perimenopausal symptoms are interpreted. This was achieved via an online survey utilising the following self-report scales; the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Perceived Stress Score, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and a perimenopausal symptom screen. Of the 75 participants 80% reported they experienced moderate to high stress, with the top three symptoms being waking throughout the night (77.3%), Irritable mood (61.3%), and memory problems (56%). This survey study was among the first of its kind within the Aotearoa/ New Zealand context. Although univariate analysis indicated a significant association between the independent variables of physical activity and social support and the dependent variables of stress and perimenopause symptoms, linear regression analysis did not reveal a significant relationship. The cyclical relationships formed between sleep, stress, perimenopause, and mood add to the difficulty of research in this area and the results indicate that more complex relationships may exist. Raising awareness of the importance of physical activity for good mental health during the menopausal transition could improve health outcomes for symptomatic women. Both physical activity and social support buffer against stress which contributes to informing the perimenopausal experience.