Graduation Term

Fall 2024

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Sociology and Anthropology: Sociology

Committee Chair

Susan Sprecher

Committee Member

Marion Willetts

Committee Member

Wib Leonard

Abstract

Menopause is a transitional phase in a woman’s life, and society is filled with negative stereotypes of women in menopause. Menopause is a difficult period for many women due to hormonal fluctuations, changes in their bodies, and various other health effects. The negative stereotypes of menopause in the media can cause the general public to hold negative perceptions regarding menopausal women (Gannon and Stevens 1998). The purpose of my two-part study was to extend prior research surrounding perceptions of menopause and look specifically at young people’s perceptions of women in menopause, as well as women’s experiences with menopause.

Study 1 utilized an experimental vignette method to examine young adults’ perceptions of a hypothetical woman as a function of whether it is explicitly stated that she is undergoing menopause, as well as a function of the age of the woman (either 43 or 60). The dependent variables in Study 1 were the participants’ perceptions of the temperament of the woman in the vignette (e.g., moods such as depression, anxiety, and irritability), the perceptions of the woman’s capability to handle everyday tasks (both in the home and at work) and perceptions of her relationship with her children and spouse (such as if the couple is still sexually active). These variables were assessed through several questions relating to the target’s relationships and actions. The sample for Study 1 was a convenience sample consisting of young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, and participants were primarily through emails sent to ISU students, as well as through my own social media platforms.

Study 2 examined the experiences of menopause among women between the ages of 45 and 65, specifically the symptoms they have experienced, disruption due to these symptoms, and their attitudes toward menopause. The sample was a snowball sample from my own network as well as ISU faculty and staff. The results indicated that menopausal symptoms had moderate effects on the participants, and participants’ attitudes toward menopause did not differ significantly between women who were currently in perimenopause and women who were post-menopausal.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

Included in

Sociology Commons

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