Previous literature has identified that issues with body image (BI) often occur in women across times of hormonal and bodily changes, however, little research into the menopause and BI has been conducted. Culture can also influence experiences of BI, and women’s attitudes towards the menopause. Variation in menopause experience across cultures has been observed and attributed to culturally positive/negative menopause views, yet contradicting findings imply that little is known about underlying influencing factors and what culturally-appropriate treatments should look like. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the impact of cultural attitudes on BI during the menopause in British women, Turkish women and Turkish women living in Britain. Menopausal women were recruited to complete an online mixed-methods survey involving menopause attitudes and BI questions. Participants identified four key themes: Physical Changes relating to perceptual BI, Psychological Changes and associated affective BI, Society and Support. A weak, significant Pearson’s r correlation and non-significant multiple linear regression suggested positive menopause attitudes and BI are not as linked as expected. This aligned with the content and thematic analysis, showing that the most positive menopause attitudes and body dissatisfaction were seen in British women and the least positive menopause attitudes, least body dissatisfaction, but most acceptance, were seen in Turkish. This proposes cultural attitudes uniquely contribute to BI during the menopause, overriding the influence of positive or negative menopause perceptions. Therefore, further research into the potential negative effects of societal prevalence in Western countries has been suggested as well as using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in British women to foster acceptance and Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Turkish women to manage physical symptoms holistically. However, because data saturation was not reached and differing social media use may have influenced responses, future research should use focus groups to consolidate these initial findings.
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