Research Reveals Women Improve in Anger Management as They Age
New research shows women tend to manage their anger more effectively as they age, with significant improvements observed during midlife, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation during menopause.
Recent research indicates that women tend to become better at managing their anger as they grow older, particularly starting in midlife. While much attention has been given to women’s emotional experiences related to depression during menopause and early menopause, little focus has been placed on how emotional regulation, such as anger, evolves during perimenopause.
A comprehensive study involving over 500 women aged 35 to 55 analyzed the progression of anger traits throughout the menopausal transition. Findings show that most measures of anger—such as anger temperament, reaction, and hostility—decline significantly with age. Interestingly, the tendency to suppress anger did not correlate with age, suggesting different underlying mechanisms.
The study also revealed that reproductive aging stages influence anger levels, with a notable decrease observed after late-reproductive phases. These results imply that women might develop better emotional regulation skills as they approach and pass through midlife.
Historically, research on anger in midlife women has focused on its links to cardiovascular health, highlighting that higher trait anger is associated with increased blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and greater risk for heart disease. Additionally, anger has been linked with depression, especially during menopause, and appears to be amplified in women using hormone therapy.
Despite these insights, few studies have tracked how anger traits evolve during menopause. This recent analysis aimed to fill that gap, offering evidence that aging itself, alongside reproductive stage changes, contributes to improved anger regulation. Such findings underscore the importance of understanding emotional health during midlife.
Dr. Monica Christmas from The Menopause Society emphasizes that mental health during menopause significantly impacts women’s personal and professional lives. She stresses the importance of acknowledging mood fluctuations and emotional challenges during this period, which are often associated with hormonal changes during menstrual and reproductive transitions. Educating women about potential mood shifts and managing symptoms proactively can enhance overall quality of life.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-women-anger-age.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Mothers Supporting Mothers: Peer-Led Programs Ease Postpartum Depression
A peer support program developed by the University of Colorado Boulder is helping new mothers, especially Latina women, overcome postpartum depression by offering accessible, culturally sensitive support from women who have experienced similar challenges. These initiatives are making a significant difference in maternal mental health outcomes.
Potential Risks of Emotional Wellness Apps Powered by AI
Emerging research warns that AI-powered emotional wellness apps could pose mental health risks, including emotional dependency and manipulation, highlighting the need for stricter regulation and responsible design.
Persistent Stigma Hinders Police Officers from Accessing Mental Health Support, Study Reveals
A recent study highlights the persistent stigma preventing police officers from seeking mental health care, emphasizing the need for cultural change and accessible support programs within law enforcement agencies.
Study Highlights the Impact of Maternal Mental Health on Children's Emotional Well-Being
A groundbreaking study shows that maternal mental health, more than paternal, significantly affects children's emotional well-being, emphasizing the need for family-centered mental health interventions.