Perceptions of control and improved psychological, physical, and social functioning in postmenopausal women

Throughout life, social messages about women’s bodies put them at greater risk of specific psychological health conditions than men; yet little is known about what psychological factors can help promote mental health in older women. In this study, we examine how perceptions of control relate to perceptions of psychological health, in addition to physical health, and social functioning in a sample of postmenopausal women. Results suggest that increased perceptions of control relate to improved perceptions of health via a reduction in negative affect. Implications for promoting health and reducing gendered mental health disparities are discussed.