Double Mediating Effects of Self-efficacy and Body Image in the Effect of Appearance Management Behavior on Life Satisfaction Among Old People

Abstract

Background/Objectives This study wants to test dual mediating effect of self-efficacy and body image in the relation between appearance management behavior and life satisfaction of the elderly in Korea. Methods/Statistical analysis The research objects of this study are 363 old men and women residing in South Korea. The survey was conducted in July and August in 2019. To examine relationship among variables like appearance management behavior, self-efficacy, body image, and life satisfaction, this study conducted correlation analysis. And to examine the relationship between appearance management behavior and life satisfaction, it uses Model 4 of SPSS PROCESS macro. Findings First, it was found that correlations among all the variables were significant. While the mean value (2.793) of appearance management behavior was a little lower than median, those of other variables were higher than median: self-efficacy (3.486), body image (3.070), and life satisfaction (3.312). Second, appearance management behavior has positive effect on life satisfaction. Third, in the relationship between appearance management behavior and life satisfaction, self-efficacy and body image were found to have full mediating effects. Based on such findings, this study suggested ways to improve life satisfaction by improving self-efficacy and body image. Improvements/Applications To improve life satisfaction of the elderly, it is more important to raise self-efficacy and have positive image of one’s body than making efforts in appearance management. And it is necessary for old people to actively manage their aging bodies, which will positively change their body images, improving their life quality.