%0 Journal Article
%T The relationship between stressors and mental health among Japanese middle-aged women in urban areas
%J Women and health
%D 2018
%A Suzuki, Junko
%A Takeda, Fumi
%A Kishi, Kaori
%A Monma, Takafumi
%V 58
%N 5
%P 534-547
%X In middle age, some people may become mentally or emotionally unstable. Additionally, in Japan, mood disorders, such as depressive symptoms, occur mostly among middle-aged women (i.e., aged 40-49 years). However, few studies have examined stressors related to mental health (a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community). In the present research, we developed a stressor scale for middle-aged women (SSMW) and examined stressors correlated with middle-aged women's mental health. In January 2015, an anonymous, self-administered survey was mailed to 1,000 randomly selected women aged 45 through 64 years living in Tokyo, Japan. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 329 women (32.9%). Factor analysis identified the following stressor categories: 'relationship with my husband', 'uneasiness about old age', 'health concerns', 'work-life balance', and 'relationship with my friends'. 'Uneasiness about old age' and 'health concerns' were correlated negatively with participants' mental health. Improving middle-aged women's health requires interventions that relieve stressors resulting from age-related problems and promote a positive image of old age.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Informa - Taylor and Francis Group
%@ 0363-0242
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2017.1321606