Body image and self-attractiveness in a relationship during the menopausal transition: associations with digital media and perceived media influence.

INTRODUCTION

This cross-sectional study examined the associations of internet and social media use and perceived media influence with body image and self-perceived attractiveness in a partner relationship among women in the menopausal transition, while accounting for the use of aesthetic medicine procedures and selected sociodemographic factors.

METHODS

The study included 603 women in the menopausal transition. Body image was assessed with the Body Esteem Scale (BES), and self-perceived attractiveness in a partner relationship was assessed with the Scale of Assessment of Self-Attractiveness in a Relationship (SAAR) in partnered women (n = 474). Linear regression models tested these associations after adjustment for selected sociodemographic variables, BMI, and other covariates.

RESULTS

Perceived media influence on body perception was more consistently associated with BES dimensions than internet and social media use. It was negatively associated with Weight Concern (β = 0.098, p = 0.012) and Physical Condition (β = 0.103, p = 0.010), whereas internet and social media use was positively associated only with Sexual Attractiveness (β = 0.092, p = 0.026). BMI, socioeconomic conditions, use of aesthetic medicine procedures, and age were also associated with BES outcomes. For SAAR, perceived media influence was positively associated with Body Acceptance (β = = 0.121, p = 0.010) and Appearance Evaluation (β = 0.114, p =0.015), whereas internet and social media use was positively associated with Partner Acceptance (β = 0.138, p = 0.003).

DISCUSSION: In women in the menopausal transition, body image was associated with both media-related and non-media factors. Perceived media influence was a more consistent correlate of body image than internet and social media use, supporting the distinction between media exposure and subjective media impact in research and care focused on body image in midlife women.