A Structural Equation Model of Subjective Happiness in Menopausal Middle-aged Women

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to build a structural model to explain subjective happiness in menopausal middle-aged women.Methods: A hypothesized model was established based on literature review. Emotional stress and family support were included as exogenous variables whereas active coping, resilience, and subjective happiness were included as endogenous variables. This study was conducted using data from 228 middle-aged menopausal women living in the Republic of Korea that fit the structural equation model. The data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and Amos 20.0 programs.Results: Emotional stress was revealed as the most influential factor affecting subjective happiness. Emotional stress had a negative direct, indirect, and total effect on subjective happiness. Family support had positive indirect and total effects, and resilience had positive direct and total effects on subjective happiness.Conclusion: To enhance subjective happiness of menopausal middle-aged women, nursing interventions, which reduce emotional stress and improve resilience, should be provided. Family-level nursing intervention should be also developed to promote family support.