Determinants of body image in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

ABSTRACT

Body image plays an important role in women’s well-being. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of selected variables (menopausal symptoms, depressive symptoms, sexual dysfunctions, health behaviours) on body image among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Six hundred eighty-eight women aged 45–65 served as participants. The Kupperman Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Female Sexual Function Index, Body Esteem Scale, and a questionnaire that we created (sociodemographic factors and health status) were used. Structural equation modelling with the maximum likelihood method was used to test a model examining the relations among variables. The resulting model was satisfactory in fit (p = 0.610). The model predicted a significant percentage of the variance in all components of body esteem, including 30.9% of the variation in physical condition, 23.9% of weight control, and 37.6% of sexual attractiveness. Results of the direct effects analysis indicated a significant role for sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001) and intensity of depressive (p < 0.001) and menopausal (p = 0.001) symptoms in predicting overall body self-esteem. Additionally, health-related behaviours affected both weight control (p < 0.001) and sexual attractiveness (p < 0.001).

KEYWORDS:

• Body image
• body esteem
• perimenopausal
• postmenopausal
• depression
• menopausal symptoms
• sexual dysfunctions
• health behaviours

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny [PCN-1-023/N/0/Z].

Notes on contributors

M. Bąk-Sosnowska

Prof. Monika Bąk- Sosnowska is a clinical psychologist, researcher and teacher at the Department of Psychology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, and a psychotherapist. She conducts research in health psychology and clinical psychology, with particular emphasis on eating disorders, obesity and body image. As part of her clinical practice, she treats people in crisis, suffering from psychosomatic disorders as well as eating disorders and obesity. She promotes psychological knowledge in the media and by engaging in local educational programs and social campaigns for a healthy lifestyle.

B. Naworska

PhD Beata Naworska is a midwife by profession, she works as an assistant professor - Department and Clinical Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. Her research interests include menopause, sexuality, the influence of biological and psychosocial factors on the health of pre-, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. She has been working in obstetrics and gynecology departments for 35 years.

M. Gruszczyńska

PhD Magdalena Gruszczyńska is a psychologist, psychotherapist, research and teaching worker at the Department of Psychology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. He conducts research in the field of health psychology and coping with stress.