College students and cosmetic procedures: A survey on attitude and body image

Abstract

Cosmetic procedures are related to age, gender, relationship status, body weight (body mass index- BMI) & body image satisfaction. There has been an increasing focus on the body as a vehicle for identity and self expression, with greater recognition of the role of appearance and the desire for self improvement. Psychosocial factors are important motivators in cosmetic surgery. Body dysmorphic disorder like symptoms, personality, interpersonal attachment, insecurity, low self esteem, social acceptance of cosmetic surgery and low level of physical activity would relate to an interest in cosmetic procedures. This study was conducted on volunteers for 2 months from May to August 2014. Participants aged 18 to 30 years of both genders who were willing to give informed consent were included in this study. People not complying with the protocol and not willing to give informed consent were excluded out. A total of 1000 people were included in the study after signing the informed consent. The results show that females have more anxiety/ depression regarding their looks. So they prefer more to cosmetic procedures as compared to males as more females think that cosmetic procedure can improve their looks. BDSS is more in females as compared to the males. Rest of the results were statistically insignificant. Keywords: Dysmorphic disorder, Psychosocial.