A University of the Sunshine Coast survey of almost 500 women from 10 countries has identified a link between positive self-belief in childhood and sexual wellbeing in the transition to menopause.

In the study, women with a positive sense of self developed from early childhood reported higher sexual function and satisfaction in both pre- and peri-menopause.

Psychologist Colleen Tully-Wilson, who led the study and wrote the paper for her UniSC degree, said the research could inform therapy and interventions for pre- and peri-menopausal women experiencing poor sexual wellbeing.

“These findings also promote the World Health Organisation’s definition that women’s sexual health is about wellbeing, not just the absence of disease,” she said.

“This is something women want to talk about but are rarely asked. Sexual wellbeing is just as important for overall health of women as it is for men.”

Conducted as part of her UniSC Master of Psychology (Clinical), the research has been published in the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology.

UniSC adjunct Lecturer in Clinical Psychology Dr Andrew Allen, who supervised the study, said little previous research had focused on the relationship between positive self-concept, sexual wellbeing, and possible differences in menopausal status for women.

“Better understanding of these connections can help the practice of psychology to improve women’s lives,” said Dr Allen, pictured right.

Ms Tully-Wilson said the findings indicated that coping responses learned from an early age could be used in all sorts of positive ways in later life.

“While the idea may seem commonsense, this exploratory study helps fill an evidence gap for women’s sexual health throughout their different stages of life,” she said.

The research did not confirm similar links in post-menopausal women.

“Further longitudinal research would be needed to establish reasons or causations,” she said.