The lived experience of body image in women of midlife aged 45–60 years living in Australia: A qualitative study

Background: Living with body dissatisfaction can have a strong negative effect on wellbeing. This is especially relevant for women of midlife who are feeling pressure to maintain the societal expectations of beauty and the thin ideal. The persistent pressure by Western society for women of all ages to be thin is at odds with the natural biological changes experienced by most women during midlife. Objectives: This study gives a voice to women aged 45–60 years, expanding on previous research, to explore and clarify the complexities of body image in midlife. Design: An exploratory qualitative design was used. Method: Twelve Australian women were interviewed using a semi-structured approach about their experience of body image. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified: Rational body image versus emotional body image; Weight equals body satisfaction; Ever-present burden of body image; and Limitations of resilience and positive psychology. Conclusion: This study highlights the underlying discourse of societal expectations, the burden of normative discontent that persists with age, and the conflict between the rational desire to love one’s body and the emotional body dissatisfaction that impacts women’s lives. Findings provide a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between ageing and body image for women and offer avenues for education and intervention to ensure women can learn to live with greater resilience, undertake self-care and use positive psychology to improve quality of life and to age more optimistically.