Comparison of the effectiveness of four group therapies in improving the quality of life in menopausal women

The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of group therapy based on meaning in life, self-effi­cacy, body image or the combination of the three factors in improving the quality of life in menopausal women.

Material and methods: The research sample consisted of 54 menopausal women (45-55 years) selected from women’s associations at cultural centers in Tehran. There were four experimental groups (group therapy based on meaning in life, self-efficacy, body image and a combination of the three factors) and a control group. A quality of life questionnaire (sf-36) was used as a pre-test, post-test and follow-up test (3 months after group therapy) measure in each of the five groups. The group therapy sessions for the experimental groups were held 12 times (for 3 months). Statistical analysis was performed using variance analysis tests, Schefe follow-up tests and covariance analysis.

Results: Results of covariance analysis showed a significant increase in quality of life as a result of group therapy based on meaning in life (p < 0.05), group therapy based on self-efficacy (p < 0.05) and group therapy based on the combination of three factors (p < 0.01). Group therapy based on body image alone resulted in no significant changes in quality of life. Follow-up test results after the three-month period showed continuity of the results.

Conclusions: Group therapy based on a combination of meaning in life, self-efficacy and body image offers a higher and more durable increase in quality of life.