Abstract
Menopause is a complex biopsychosocial transition influenced by cultural factors. However, research on the psychological experiences of menopausal women in the Arab world remains limited. This study investigates how Lebanese women experience menopause, with a focus on the impact of marital status, motherhood, education, employment, and religious affiliation on self-esteem, anxiety, and body image. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 260 Lebanese women aged 48 to 65 from three major regions. Participants completed standardized instruments: the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Body Image Questionnaire. Results showed that most participants reported high self-esteem (83.8%) and positive body image (75.4%), yet a significant proportion experienced elevated anxiety (68.5%). Married women exhibited significantly lower anxiety than single women. Parenthood was the most influential factor across psychological dimensions, with childless women reporting higher self-esteem, lower anxiety, and better body image than mothers. Christian women reported significantly higher self-esteem than Muslim women. Employment was associated with anxiety and body image outcomes, while educational attainment showed no significant effects. These findings reveal a paradoxical psychological profile marked by strength in self-perception but vulnerability to anxiety. They challenge assumptions about motherhood’s protective role and underscore the need for culturally adapted interventions.