Indian Working Women in Perimenopausal Stage: Glimpse into their Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Coping Styles

By : Ruchi D. Chaturvedi, Freyana Shinde, Ananya Arora, Avantika Sahal, Pragati Rochiramani, Riddhisha Choudhary

Page No: 253-263

Abstract
This study investigates severity of the perimenopausal symptoms being experienced by Indian working women, in relation to depression, anxiety, stress and coping Styles. Perimenopause refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause, marking the natural end of a woman’s reproductive years. A sample of 40 women in the age range of 40-years to 55 years were selected. Tools used were Menopause Rating Scale (Heinemann et al., 1996), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995) and Brief COPE inventory (Carver et al., 1997). Correlational analysis was conducted. Severity of symptoms had positive significant correlation with Stress (r = 0.398, p < 0.001) and with Anxiety (r = 0.272, p < 0.05). Additionally, Anxiety showed a significant positive correlation with Emotion-focused coping (r = 0.346, p < 0.05) and Avoidant coping (r = 0.411, p < 0.01). There was also a significant positive correlation between Stress and Avoidant coping (r = 0.346, p < 0.05). Severe MRS was positively correlated with Avoidant Coping (r=0.552, p<0.01). The study highlights the need for early interventions during perimenopausal stage. This could involve providing psychoeducation, familial support, social support, and tailoring workplace policies to facilitate perimenopausal working women cope comfortably with such challenges. 

Authors:
Dr Ruchi D. Chaturvedi :  Associate Professor, Ex-Vice Principal, Department of Psychology, Jai Hind College (Autonomous), Mumbai University. 
Dr Freyana Shinde :  Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Jai Hind College (Autonomous), Mumbai University. 
Ananya Arora, Avantika Sahal, Pragati Rochiramani and Riddhisha Choudhary : Psychology Major Students, Department of Psychology, Jai Hind College (Autonomous), Mumbai University.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2024.19.02.6