Psychosocial predictors in consideration of cosmetic surgery among women

Background. The aim of this research was to analyze the influence of psychosocial factors on the consideration of cosmetic surgery. We hypothesized that the internalization of thin ideals and social comparisons could mediate the relationship between media pressure, family and peer influence (appearance conversations, perception of teasing and peer attributions) and the desire to pursue cosmetic surgery. Methods. Participants were 429 Italian women (mean age = 33). They completed a questionnaire containing the Appearance Conversations with Friends Scale, the Perception of Teasing Scale for Friends, the Peer Attribution Scale, the Pressure and the Internalization-General subscales of the SATAQ-3, the Feedback on Physical Appearance Scale, the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale and the Consider subscale of the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale. Hierarchical linear regression was performed. Results. The results indicated that media pressure and appearance conversations with peers predicted the outcome variable through the full mediation of internalization of thin ideals. The relation between peer attributions and interest in cosmetic surgery was partially mediated by internalization of thin ideals. Although social comparison was significantly related to both sociocultural variables and the consideration of cosmetic procedures, it was not a significant mediator of this relationship. Neither family influence nor perception of teasing predicted the outcome variable. Conclusions. Overall, these results provide important information about the factors implicated in the consideration of cosmetic surgery by women. This research confirms that a base psychological approach adopted by cosmetic surgeons is needed.