Why are men interested in cosmetic surgery procedures? Examining the role of different forms of peer influence, social comparison, internalization, and body dissatisfaction

Abstract

The present research examined the roles of different forms of peer influence, internalization, social comparison, and body dissatisfaction in men’s interest in cosmetic surgery. Participants were 204 Italian men (Mage = 34.02, SD = 11.21). Regression analyses showed that appearance conversations with friends and peer attribution were associated with consideration of cosmetic surgery for social reasons, while teasing on muscularity (but not teasing on general body and shape) was linked to interest in cosmetic surgery for intrapersonal motives. Social comparison was significantly and positively associated with men’s interest in cosmetic surgery, while internalization was not. Dissatisfaction with body fat was linked to men’s consideration of cosmetic surgery for social motivations, while muscularity and height dissatisfaction did not emerge as significant correlates of cosmetic surgery attitudes. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial factors, such as peer influence, body fat dissatisfaction, and social comparison in men’s interest in cosmetic procedures.