Interdependence mode. The primary focus of the interdependence mode is relational
integrity or the feeling of security in relationships (Roy& Andrews, 1999). Interdependent
relationships involve the willingness and ability to give and receive from others,
love, respect, and nurturing (Dunn& Dunn, 1997). The women in the group felt that their
husbands and children were the most important people in their lives and stated that they
were able to express their love for their family, both verbally and physically. The women
stated that they felt valued and loved by their family. The identified areas of concern for
the group members, however,were feeling that their husbands and children did not understand
menopause and could not relate to their physical symptoms or biological changes.
Thewomen also revealed that older Jamaicanwomen are usually very private individual s
and are cautious, sometimes even reluctant, to discuss personal health problemswith their
family or close friends. The cognator and regulator processes for the interdependence
modewere judged to be ineffective because groupmembers did not feel supported by others
on their journey through menopause.