Bereavement and social support at the climacteric.

The relationship between life events and symptoms was examined in a general population sample of Scottish climacteric women within the framework of the concepts and methods developed in the field of life event research. It was found that at least some of the increase in symptoms at that time of life was due to the occurrence of stressful life events. This relationship was a complex one as different types of life events were associated with symptoms in a differential way. In particular, the occurrence of a bereavement involving a close family member and the consequent loss of social support, were found to be significant factors in provoking physical symptoms, but only in the presence of other life stress. These results are discussed in the context of the findings of other life event researchers.