COPING STRATEGIES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AMONG WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

BALOGUN, Mabel Ashe

Authors

BALOGUN, Mabel Ashe Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State

Keywords:

coping strategies, menopause, psychological well-being, workplace, women, educational psychology, stress management, counselling

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between coping strategies and psychological well-being in the healthy management of menopausal symptoms among women in the workplace from an Educational Psychology perspective. The paper adopts a conceptual review approach and draws on the transactional theory of stress and coping, self-efficacy theory, and the Job Demands-Resources model to explain how women appraise, manage, and adapt to menopausal experiences within work environments. Evidence indicates that adaptive coping strategies, including cognitive restructuring, problem-focused coping, relaxation, physical activity, social support, self-care, mindfulness, and help-seeking, can contribute to improved psychological well-being and work adjustment. Cognitive behavioural interventions have demonstrated benefits for problematic hot flushes and night sweats, sleep, well-being, and menopause-related work impairment. However, individual coping alone may be insufficient where organizational conditions are unsupportive. Workplace flexibility, supportive supervisors, appropriate environmental adjustments, menopause education, and access to counselling and health resources can strengthen women's coping capacity. The paper concludes that menopause should be addressed as a psychological, developmental, occupational, and educational concern rather than exclusively as a medical issue. Educational psychologists and counsellors can contribute through psychoeducation, coping-skills training, stress management, emotional regulation, self-efficacy enhancement, and advocacy for psychologically supportive workplaces.

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COPING STRATEGIES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AMONG WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

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