MINDFULNESS BASED INTERVENTION FOR STRESS REDUCTION IN MENOPAUSAL WOMEN: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Menopause is a natural physiological transition in women’s lives, often accompanied by physical, psychological, and emotional challenges that negatively affect quality of life. Hormonal fluctuations during this stage contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. Addressing these challenges is essential for promoting women’s well-being. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as effective strategies for managing menopause-related stress. This study aims to synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among menopausal women and to provide a framework for social work practice. The objectives include understanding the biopsychosocial dimensions of menopause-related stress, reviewing empirical evidence on MBIs, exploring culturally relevant adaptations in the Indian context, and suggesting actionable strategies for implementation. This conceptual paper reviews peer-reviewed literature from 2020 to 2025 sourced from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science, with a focus on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. The findings indicate that MBIs, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), significantly reduce stress, enhance emotional regulation, and improve quality of life. Culturally adapted practices integrating yoga and meditation show greater effectiveness in India. The study highlights the critical role of social workers in implementing MBIs at individual, group, and community levels. Despite promising evidence, challenges such as accessibility, stigma, and methodological limitations persist. Overall, MBIs offer a holistic and culturally adaptable approach to improving menopausal well-being, though further rigorous research is needed for wider implementation.