מחקר הדוקטורט שלי

The present study examines the subject of body image and self-perception of menopausal women in Israel as well as the relationships between menopause, body image, self-perception, and anti-aging culture.

The study was conducted using the qualitative methodology, in the phenomenology and narrative paradigms, thereby providing a platform through which the participants could describe their subjective experiences.

The participants were 25 Israeli women aged 48-60. The use of in-depth semi-structured interviews enabled participants to share their life stories, emotions, and perceptions about their body, their “self”, and anti-aging culture during menopause.

Each interview lasted about two hours, and was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.

The study addressed themes such as self-fulfillment, beauty ideals, grooming, menses, fertility, sexuality, social roles and expectations, styling, healthy lifestyle, and women's body image in different stages of life, such as childhood, adolescence, and menopause.

Israel is a multicultural nation consisting of immigrants from different countries and cultures. Each culture is different and influences women's perceptions about body image, menopause, aging, and anti-aging.

Nevertheless, the findings of the study reveal similar environmental factors that influence Israeli women's life experiences. These factors include Jewish and Israeli history, tradition, and religion, which impact the narrative of menopause and body image and create perceptions of aging and anti-aging.

An additional important aspect revealed in the study is that of the individual’s personality and her life story, which also affect her subjective body image and self-perception during menopause.

Key words: Menopause, body image, self-perception, qualitative research