Predictors of the consideration of cosmetic surgery: Sociocultural influences and body dissatisfaction

The aim of the present research was to identify psychosocial factors that affect the interest towards cosmetic surgery in general terms and targeted to modify specific parts of one’s body in young women. Participants (N = 203; mean age = 26.70, SD = 3.63) completed a questionnaire in order to assess peer attributions, media pressure, internalization of the body ideals, body dissatisfaction, consideration of cosmetic surgery in general, for breast modeling, and for surgery aimed at reducing body fat. Results suggest that the effects of media pressures and peer attributions on the consideration of cosmetic surgery both in general and for breast modeling are mediated by the internalization of body ideals. With respect to cosmetic surgery aimed at reducing body fat, body dissatisfaction and not internalization seemed to mediate the effect of media pressures and peer attributions. Moreover, peer attributions had also a direct effect on the interest in procedures aimed at reducing body fat. The present study provides an important contribution to understanding the growing interest in cosmetic surgery by the female population. The results may have important implications for preventive and health promotion intervention.