Australian women's motivations for, and experiences of, cosmetic surgery: A qualitative investigation

Little qualitative literature has examined women's motivations for undergoing cosmetic surgery or their experiences throughout the surgery process (e.g., consultation, aftercare, and recovery). To fill this gap, we interviewed 15 Australian women (M_age = 37.67) who had undergone cosmetic surgery. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis from which we generated five overarching themes. Broadly, participants described the 'cosmetic surgery lifestyle' as being normalised in contemporary Australian society. In terms of their own cosmetic surgery experiences, several expressed suffering from severe depression immediately post-surgery. Most participants also discussed how interactions with other people influenced their cosmetic surgery journeys. For instance, several described having problematic and/or distressing interactions with cosmetic surgeons, while others spoke to the lack of emotional support they received from romantic partners. Finally, almost all participants described how cosmetic surgery was a decision they made 'for themselves' (i.e., completely independent of external influence), yet, paradoxically, described how negative comments made by others drove them to cosmetic surgery. These findings contribute to existing feminist accounts of cosmetic surgery and highlight ethical concerns regarding how cosmetic surgery is practiced in Australia.

Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery among Hungarian Women in a Global Context: the Hungarian Version of the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS)

In recent years, the popularity of surgical cosmetic procedures has dramatically increased in the Western world. The Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS) provides a measure of psychological acceptance of cosmetic surgery. The original instrument (ACSS) contains three subscales (Interpersonal, Social, and Consider). Since its publication, the ACSS has been adapted for many languages. The primary objective of the present study was to develop the Hungarian version of the ACSS. Furthermore, focus was laid on whether the original factor structure could be replicated with a Hungarian sample despite expectable cultural differences from other national samples. To obtain cross-culturally comparable data, the same scales were used for psychometric analysis as those used in the development of the original ACSS and its various national versions. The Hungarian sample included 482 female participants aged between 18 and 68 years (M = 29.02, SD = 10.71), who completed a questionnaire battery. Validity of the Hungarian version was tested with the following measures: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), and the Photographic Figure Rating Scale (PFRS) developed for women. The results show that the obtained Hungarian version of the ACSS is a reliable and valid measure, which enables researchers in the field to study Hungarian samples. Furthermore, the factor structure of the Hungarian scale is identical with that of the original ACSS, which enables reliable cross-cultural comparisons. For these reasons, the authors expect that the Hungarian ACSS will stimulate more in-depth quantitative research on attitudes towards cosmetic surgery within the Hungarian context, and it will also contribute to a better understanding of acceptance of cosmetic surgery from a cross-cultural perspective.

The cosmetic surgery paradox: Toward a contemporary understanding of cosmetic surgery popularisation and attitudes

Modern women feel compelled to meet near-impossible standards of beauty. For many, this pursuit ultimately culminates in cosmetic surgery - a radical form of beautification that is rapidly becoming popular worldwide. Paradoxically, while prevalent, artificial beauty remains widely unaccepted in contemporary society. This narrative review synthesizes feminist dialogue, recent research, and real-world case studies to argue that female beauty standards account for both the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery and its lack of mainstream acceptance. First, we implicate unrealistic beauty standards and the medicalization of appearance in popularizing cosmetic surgery. Second, we analyze how negative attitudes toward cosmetic surgery are also motivated by unrealistic beauty standards. Finally, we generate a synthesized model of the processes outlined in this review and provide testable predictions for future studies based on this model. Our review is the first to integrate theoretical and empirical evidence into a cohesive narrative that explains the cosmetic surgery paradox; that is, how cosmetic surgery remains secretive, stigmatized, and moralized despite its surging popularity.

Factors that motivate young people’s intention to undergo cosmetic surgery in Vietnam

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the factors that motivate young people’s intention to undergo cosmetic surgery in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior as a research model. The study is based on a quantitative method that applied exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

In total, 412 valid responses are used for the statistical analysis. The results confirm that subjective norm (SN), attitude toward cosmetic surgery and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are the main factors that motivate young people’s intention to undergo cosmetic surgery.

Originality/value

The results show the positive relationship between attitude toward cosmetic surgery, SN, PBC and intention to undergo cosmetic surgery in Vietnam.

An investigation of the association between body appreciation, need for self-expression, and interest in cosmetic enhancing procedures

PURPOSE

To examine the association between body appreciation and three factors reflective of individuals' need for self-expression: uniqueness, investment in a distinctive appearance, and interest in cosmetic enhancements.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional, correlational design. Participants (N = 256) completed measurements of body appreciation, interest in cosmetic enhancements, need for uniqueness, and investment in a distinctive appearance.

FINDINGS

Body appreciation was associated with the need for uniqueness and a distinctive appearance investment. Only a generalized need for uniqueness was associated with a greater tendency to use cosmetic enhancing procedures.

IMPLICATIONS

Body appreciation appears to be related to established markers of positive striving for uniqueness. Thus, the use of cosmetic enhancements may serve to promote a unique sense of self and, potentially, a more positive body image.

Body appreciation, interest in cosmetic enhancements, and need for uniqueness among U.S. college students

The aim of the current study was to examine associations between body appreciation and putative correlates that focus on self-enhancement and self-expression. Students (N=261; mean age=20.16years, SD=3.68; 60.9% female) from a non-residential college in the northeastern United States completed a questionnaire measuring body appreciation, interest in cosmetic enhancements, and need for uniqueness. Individuals with higher body appreciation and African Americans/Blacks reported significantly higher self-attributed need for uniqueness and significantly higher investment in a distinctive appearance. The association between body appreciation and interest in cosmetic enhancements (e.g., hair coloring) was not significant. Results suggest that body appreciation may be linked to a desire to express one's own unique qualities.

Adolescent Desire for Cosmetic Surgery: Associations with Bullying and Psychological Functioning

BACKGROUND

Adolescent bullying may be a key driver of interest in cosmetic surgery. This study examined the extent of such interest and whether any effect was sex-specific, and examined psychological functioning as a potential mechanism through which bullying involvement may lead to a wish for cosmetic surgery.

METHODS

A two-stage design was used. In the first stage, 2782 adolescents (aged 11 to 16 years) were screened for bullying involvement using self-reports and peer nominations. In the second stage, 752 adolescents who were bullies, victims, bully-victims, or uninvolved in bullying reported their desire for cosmetic surgery. Psychological functioning was constructed as a composite of self-esteem and emotional problems (assessed at stage 1) and body-esteem scores (assessed at stage 2).

RESULTS

Adolescents involved in bullying in any role were significantly more interested in cosmetic surgery than uninvolved adolescents. Desire for cosmetic surgery was greatest in adolescents who were bullied (victims and bully-victims) and girls. Desire for cosmetic surgery was highest in girls, but sex did not interact with bullying role. Being victimized by peers resulted in poor psychological functioning, which increased desire for cosmetic surgery. In contrast, desire for cosmetic surgery in bullies was not related to psychological functioning, which was in the normal range.

CONCLUSIONS

Bullying victimization is related to poor psychological functioning, and both are related to a greater desire for cosmetic surgery in adolescents. Cosmetic surgeons should screen candidates for psychological vulnerability and may want to include a short screening questionnaire for a history of peer victimization.

Associations between positive body image and indicators of men's and women's mental and physical health

Positive body image has been found to be associated with various beneficial health-related indicators among women. Yet, less is known about its health-related correlates among men. The goal of the current study was to examine associations between positive body image and various mental and physical health-related indicators in both men and women. Undergraduate students (N=284) from a non-residential college in the northeastern United States participated. Individuals with greater positive body image reported less depression, higher self-esteem, fewer unhealthy dieting behaviors, lower drive for muscularity, and greater intentions to protect their skin from UV exposure and damage. Gender did not moderate these associations; thus, connections between positive body image and health-related indicators were similar for women and men. Results suggest that positive body image has significant implications for health and well-being beyond objective body size. Health care providers should encourage positive body image because of its potential health benefits.

The factor structure and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale

The current study examined the validity of the Italian version of the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS; Henderson-King & Henderson-King, 2005) in a sample of 378 Italian adult women. A series of confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. A three-factor solution provided the best fit to the data and confirmed the Intrapersonal, Social, and Consider dimensions. The three factors were strongly inter-correlated. Cronbach's alphas were high (all alphas>.86). The scale showed good convergent and discriminant validity (estimated by Composite Reliability and the Average Variance Extracted). The nomological validity of the Italian version of the ACSS was confirmed by its significant correlations with participants' body dissatisfaction and sociocultural influences (internalization of thin ideals and perceived media pressure). The ACSS seems to be a useful measure of acceptance of cosmetic surgery in the Italian context. This instrument can be used with Italian speakers for research, health promotion, and preventive interventions.

Considering an affect regulation framework for examining the association between body dissatisfaction and positive body image in Black older adolescent females: does body mass index matter?

The present study provided an initial evaluation of an affect regulation model describing the association between body dissatisfaction and two contemporary measures of positive body image among 247 Black college-bound older adolescent females. We further tested whether possessing a higher body mass index (BMI) would strengthen these associations. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate BMI. Respondents also completed a culturally-sensitive figure rating scale along with assessments of body appreciation and body image flexibility. Results indicated a robust positive association between the two measures of positive body image; BMI was the strongest predictor of both body appreciation and body image flexibility with body size discrepancy (current minus ideal) contributing incremental variance to both models tested. Implications for improving our understanding of the association between positive and negative body image and bolstering positive body image to promote health-protective behaviors among Black young women at this developmental juncture are discussed.

'Use what God has given me': difference and disparity in breast reconstruction

African-American women are significantly less likely to undergo postmastectomy breast reconstruction compared to white women in the USA. These observed differences have been interpreted as evidence of a healthcare disparity. The current study examines breast reconstruction decision-making among African-American women, locating reconstruction decisions in a context of culture, racial inequality and biomedicalisation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 African-American women who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer to add patient-centred perspectives to existing conceptualisations of racial/ethnic differences in reconstruction. Participants were socio-demographically diverse, and resided in the New York metropolitan area. Data analysis was informed by grounded theory. Spiritually and culturally informed body ethics often guided surgery decisions. Participants expressed reservations about breast implants, preferring autologous procedures that use 'what God has given'. For some, breast reconstruction restored a sense of normalcy after cancer; others challenged an imperative to reconstruct. Several participants redirected our focus on access to reconstruction toward access to alternatives, noting the low reimbursement for prostheses, or their unavailability in patients' skin tones. We suggest that a framework of 'stratified biomedicalization' better addresses the complexities of race, class and gender that inform preference, access and recommendations for breast reconstruction, and focuses attention on access to high and low-tech interventions.