Critical Reflections on the Body and Related Sociocultural Discourses at the Midlife Transition: An Interpretive Study of Women's Experiences

Abstract

The present study explored how European American women in midlife transition think about their changing bodies and related sociocultural discourses. The work was informed by theory that illuminates a process in which middle-aged individuals critically evaluate the meaning structures used to make sense of the world and self and transform these schemes for personal relevance. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 women transitioning into their middle-aged years. Data were analyzed using constant comparison processes. Analyses revealed two major ideological adjustments in participants' thinking, including (a) the shift from an emphasis upon external to internal aspects of the self and (b) the questioning of dominant social discourses about the female body. Although these ideological shifts seemingly contributed to participants' acceptance of their bodies at midlife, participants also expressed ambivalence about their appearances and related social discourses.

‘Chaos, restitution and quest’: one woman’s journey through menopause

“…However, some women experience severe enough symptoms to cause a breakdown in the body similar to illness or other major health disruptions (Finset et al 2004, Guthrie et al 2004, Gold et al 2004, Woods and Mitchell 2005. For a woman experiencing distress during the menopause transition, not only her physical symptoms but the contextual background of her life and the social discourses she is invested in shape her experience (Ballard et al 2005, Bannister 1999, Bauld and Brown 2009, Ogle and Damhorst 2005, Perz and Ussher 2008.…”

Factors associated with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in women in midlife

“…This change in the meaning of the body in midlife is consistent with findings in qualitative studies of a shift in emphasis from outward appearance to an inner sense of self, as well as a focus on what the body can do, and physical health. 22,23 Consequently, in our study of factors associated with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in midlife, we examined perceived importance of appearance and body function.…”

The self-concept life cycle and brand perceptions: An interdisciplinary perspective

“…A further example is based on middle-aged individuals who sometimes experience a midlife crisis (Lachman 2004). In an attempt to project a desired younger self-image, which is significantly lower than their chronological age, middle-aged individuals are prone to purchasing goods such as sports cars or seeking plastic surgery (Guido et al 2014;Ogle and Damhorst 2005;Zavestoski 2002). Furthermore, research shows that consumers are likely to perceive brands more positively that allow them to project an image that matches their actual and ideal self-view (Hollenbeck and Kaikati 2012;Malär et al 2011;Sirgy 1982).…”

“…This notion is in line with the theory of continuity (Atchley 1993), which states that seniors intend to conserve the same aptitudes and physical, mental or social capacities as when they were younger. In an attempt to project a desired younger self-image compared to their chronological age, older individuals are prone to purchasing goods that allow them to project a younger ideal self (Guido et al 2014;Ogle and Damhorst 2005;Zavestoski 2002). As seniors get older the discrepancy between the actual age and desired age is likely to grow.…”