Appearance Perfectionism Research Articles

Fear of appearance discrimination and its influence on well‐being across cultures

AbstractLookism encompasses discrimination based on a person's physical appearance. In a society where lookism is prevalent, the question arises concerning the impact of the fear of lookism on one's well‐being. To address this issue, we assessed the fear of anticipated appearance discrimination by constructing a new Fear of Lookism Scale (FLS). By testing 400 Japanese participants, we developed a three‐factor seven‐item scale and confirmed its convergent validity by establishing significantly positive correlations among its subscales (exclusion/devaluation, romantic rejection and insult) and related measures (physical appearance perfectionism and social appearance anxiety) in Study 1. In Study 2a, we gathered data from 312 Japanese participants to assess the scale's test–retest reliability. In Study 2b, combining data from 401 American participants with data from Study 2a, we verified FLS measurement invariance in the United States and Japan. Japanese participants scored higher on the FLS than Americans, particularly for exclusion/devaluation and insult. Across cultures, romantic rejection and insult were positively associated with physical appearance perfectionism, which, in turn, decreased subjective happiness through impacting self‐esteem (or increased loneliness) and increased subjective happiness through impacting self‐esteem (or decreased loneliness) respectively.

Picture perfect: Exploring the relationship between problematic TikTok use, physical appearance perfectionism, and upward physical appearance comparison on body appreciation

Physical appearance perfectionism and upward physical appearance comparisons have a potential role in explaining how the use of popular social networking sites can negatively impact a person's body image. Although there is considerable research on the relationship between body image and problematic Instagram usage, there is little reported on TikTok use. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the mediating relationship of physical appearance perfectionism and upward physical appearance comparison between problematic TikTok use and body appreciation. The sample included 185 TikTok users. Serial mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect negative relationship between problematic TikTok use and body appreciation through physical appearance perfectionism, but not upward physical appearance comparison, or physical appearance perfectionism and upward physical appearance comparison in serial. Thus, with the rapid growth of TikTok, this study highlights the importance of identifying the individuals who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the app. We suggest possible practice implications such as the implementation of screening strategies to identify those high in physical appearance perfectionism, and the development of workshops aimed at promoting positive body image in the face of SNS use.

Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Scale of Effects of Social Media on Eating Behaviour and research of its influencing factors

BackgroundSocial media has become an indispensable part of contemporary young people's lives, and the influence of social media on college students' eating and other health-related behaviors has become increasingly prominent. However, there is no assessment tool to determine the effects of social media on Chinese college students' eating behavior. This study aims to translate the Scale of Effects of Social Media on Eating Behaviour (SESMEB) into Chinese. Its applicability to Chinese college students was examined through reliability and validity indexes, and the influencing factors of SESMEB were explored.MethodsThe questionnaire survey included 2374 Chinese college students. The Brislin translation model was used to translate the original scale into Chinese. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to test the construct validity of the scale, and the content validity of the scale was assessed through the content validity index. The internal consistency of the scale was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient, McDonald's Omega coefficient, split-half reliability, and test–retest reliability. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to identify potential influences on the effects of social media on eating behavior.ResultsEFA supported the one-factor structure, and the factor loadings of each item on this dimension were higher than 0.40. CFA showed good model fitness indexes. The content validity index of the scale was 0.94. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's Omega coefficient for the scale were 0.964, the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.953, and the test–retest reliability was 0.849. Gender, education, major, frequency of social media use, online sexual objectification experiences, fear of negative evaluations, and physical appearance perfectionism explained 73.8% of the variance in the effects of social media on eating behavior.ConclusionsThe Chinese version of the SESMEB has good psychometric properties and is a valid measurement tool for assessing the effects of social media on college students' eating behavior. Subjects who were female, highly educated, non-medical, had frequent social media use, online sexual objectification experiences, fear of negative evaluations, and physical appearance perfectionism used social media to have a higher impact on eating behavior.

Determining the Relationship Between Exercise Addiction and Physical Appearance Perfectionism in Individuals Going to Fitness Centers: Descriptive Research

Determining the Relationship Between Exercise Addiction and Physical Appearance Perfectionism in Individuals Going to Fitness Centers: Descriptive Research

Social Networking Site Use and Restricted Eating Among College Students

Use of social networking sites and dieting seem to have become common phenomena in our lives, and the pursuit of appearance and self-focus play an important role in this. Using sociocultural theory and social comparison theory we explored the relationship between social networking site use and restricted eating, as well as the mediating role of appearance perfectionism and the moderating role of self-focus. We surveyed 1,252 college students in China. The results were as follows: (a) Social networking site use had a positive predictive effect on college students' restricted eating, (b) appearance perfectionism played a mediating role between social networking site use and restricted eating among college students, and (c) self-focus played a negative moderating role between appearance perfectionism and restricted eating among college students. The results have revealed factors influencing restricted eating in a college student population, which may provide inspiration for the treatment of disordered eating.

An investigation of relationships between body compassion, social physique anxiety and physical appearance perfectionism in young people from Iran

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that physical appearance perfectionism could play an important role in social physique anxiety; however, the moderating role of body compassion has not been studied. The current study aims to explore the moderating role of body compassion in the relationship between physical appearance perfectionism and social physique anxiety in undergraduate students.MethodsA sample of 418 undergraduates (n = 418; 217 female and 201 males) from three universities in Tehran, Iran completed online questionnaires measuring physical appearance perfectionism, body compassion and social physique anxiety.ResultsThe results of structural equation modeling showed that physical appearance perfectionism (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) positively predicted the social physique anxiety and body compassion negatively predicted (β = − .56, p < 0.001) the social physique anxiety in undergraduate students. A multi-group analysis showed that body compassion acted as a moderator between physical appearance perfectionism and social physique anxiety.ConclusionsThe results suggested that individuals with greater levels of physical appearance perfectionism are more likely to experience social physique anxiety. Also, the results suggested that individuals who were at a high level of the body-compassion group experienced lower levels of social physical anxiety if they also had high levels of physical appearance perfectionism. Therefore, body-compassion acted as a protective role in the relationship between physical appearance perfectionism and social physique anxiety.

Physical appearance perfectionism in blepharoplasty patients: A prospective observational study

Evaluation of physical appearance perfectionism (PAP) in individuals seeking blepharoplasty would be meaningful. This study aimed to explore the relationship of demographic and psychological variables with PAP in blepharoplasty patients and further investigate the impact of blepharoplasty on PAP in these patients. This prospective observational study included 153 patients undergoing blepharoplasty between October 2017 and June 2019. Demographic and psychological variables, and PAP, were collected preoperatively. Postoperative satisfaction with eye appearance and PAP was collected with a 6-month follow-up. Partial correlations analyses revealed that hope for perfection was positively associated with self-esteem (r=0.246; P<0.01) in 153 blepharoplasty patients. Worry about imperfection was positively related to facial appearance concern (r=0.703; P<0.001) and negatively related to satisfaction with eye appearance (r=-0.242; P<0.01) and self-esteem (r=-0.533; P<0.001). After blepharoplasty, the mean±standard deviation of satisfaction with eye appearance increased (preoperatively vs. postoperatively: 5.1±2.2 vs. 7.4±2.2; P<0.001), and worry about imperfection decreased (17.0±4.2 vs. 15.9±4.6; P<0.001). Whereas hope for perfection remained unchanged (23.9±3.9 vs. 23.6±3.9; P>0.05). Appearance perfectionism was related to psychological variables rather than demographic variables in blepharoplasty patients. Preoperative evaluation of appearance perfectionism could be helpful for oculoplastic surgeons to screen for perfectionistic patients. Although some improvement in perfectionism has been observed after blepharoplasty, long-term follow-up is needed in the future.

Body satisfaction of lesbian and bisexual Brazilian women: Indicators of self-esteem, physical appearance perfectionism, and identity processes

This article examined the association between body satisfaction and sexual identification among lesbian and bisexual women, since these factors help to understand the cultural background of the objectification of female bodies in Latin cultures. Women who identify as lesbian (N = 239) and bisexual (N = 60) completed demographic data and measures of self-esteem, physical appearance perfectionism, lesbian and bisexual identity difficulties, and body satisfaction. We performed a three-stage hierarchical multiple regression to explore how variables relate to body satisfaction. The results suggest that self-esteem plays a key role, explaining 20.4% of the variance in body satisfaction. We discussed the psychosocial and cultural aspects involved in the relationship between the variables, and social and aesthetic pressures on women’s bodies. This study contributes to discussions on psychosocial aspects associated with body satisfaction among Brazilian lesbian and bisexual women.

The unbearable struggle for beauty: Physical appearance perfectionism, mental health, and discrimination among heterosexual cisgender and sexually diverse youth in the Philippines

Physical appearance perfectionism (PAP) is prevalent in the Philippines. Studies have shown that body features such as the color of one’s skin, height, weight, hair length, and clothing one wears are often a cause for discrimination in schools and workplaces. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between PAP, mental health, discrimination, and other sociodemographic variables. A questionnaire, which included the Physical Appearance Perfectionism Scale, was distributed via convenience sampling to Filipinx youth aged 18 to 30 residing in the Philippines. Data collected from 959 Filipinx youth demonstrated that physical appearance perfectionism is high: specifically, the sub-domain of Worry about imperfection. Significant stress and depression were risk factors for PAP in all respondents for both perfectionism domains and, particularly, the sexually diverse youth. Notably, social media as an instigator of these triggers was refuted because Instagram was found to be a protective factor. We concluded that there is a significant relationship between mental health conditions and physical appearance perfectionism. The higher the level of stress and depression, the greater likelihood of PAP. Experience of everyday discrimination may also be a factor in worrying about imperfection and hoping for perfection.

34.3 Young Women’s Body Image Following Upward Comparison to Instagram Models: The Role of Physical Appearance Perfectionism and Cognitive Emotion Regulation

The present study examined whether trait physical appearance perfectionism moderates young women’s body image following upward appearance comparison to idealized body images on social media, and whether cognitive coping mediates the relationship between physical appearance perfectionism and resulting body image from social comparison.

A Causal Model of Physical Appearance Perfectionism and Women's Body Image Concern: The Mediating Role of Appearance-Based Comparisons on Instagram

A Causal Model of Physical Appearance Perfectionism and Women's Body Image Concern: The Mediating Role of Appearance-Based Comparisons on Instagram

Eating and body image characteristics of those who aspire to the slim-thick, thin, or fit ideal and their impact on state body image

The slim-thick ideal is characterized by a small waist and flat stomach, but large hips, thighs, and butt. Little research to date has examined the impact of this body-ideal on women’s body image. The purpose of the current study was to investigate: 1) the impact of slim-thick, thin-, and fit-ideal imagery on women’s body image, 2) the body ideals women most aspire to, and 3) eating and body image characteristics of women who aspire to each ideal. Participants were 123 female undergraduate students. Results revealed that experimental exposure to slim-thick- and fit-ideal imagery resulted in lower body satisfaction. Participants reported aspiring more to the fit and slim-thick-ideal than to the thin-ideal, and rated the slim-thick-ideal as the most attractive and desirable. Women who aspired to the thin- or slim-thick-ideal reported the greatest overall disordered eating. Women who aspired to the slim-thick-ideal reported greater dietary restraint, eating, shape and weight concerns, appearance ideal internalization, body image investment, and physical appearance perfectionism than those who aspired to the fit-ideal. Findings show that beauty ideals are shifting away from the thin-ideal toward a slim-thick-ideal. Slim-thick internalization may be harmful to women’s well-being and should be addressed in body image and eating disorders interventions.

Examining the Associations of Physical Appearance Perfectionism with Disordered Eating Behaviors in Young Chinese Gay Men

Previous research has shown that those with a high level of perfectionism are more prone to the negative effects of body image exposure on self-evaluation. However, the negative effects of physical appearance, an area where individuals may present perfectionism, have not been studied well. This study aims to understand the relationships between the constructs of perfectionism, appearance comparisons, and body dissatisfaction with disordered eating behavior. The current study examined the association between the two sub-dimensions of physical appearance perfectionism scale (i.e., worry about imperfection and hope for perfection) and disordered eating behavior in young Chinese gay men. A total of 234 respondents were selected by convenience sampling and snowball sampling. Four questionnaires were administered (i.e., Physical Appearance Perfectionism Scale, Eating Attitude Test, Physical Appearance Comparison Scale, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Evaluation Subscale). The results indicated that 34% of gay men in the sample met criteria for elevated risk of eating disorders, multiple regression analysis found that worry about imperfections had a direct effect on disordered eating behavior in young Chinese gay men, whereas hope for perfection did not show a significant direct effect on disordered eating behavior. The two sub-dimensions of physical appearance perfectionism have an indirect effect on disordered eating behavior, mediated by physical appearance comparison. However, the results showed that worry about imperfection and hope for perfection did not have an indirect effect on disordered eating behavior with body dissatisfaction as mediators.

Perfectionism and stereotype in plastic surgery

IntroductionThe concept of beauty has transformed through time and across the globe during specific events in history and continues to evolve.ObjectivesThis study will focus on how tendency toward perfectionism and stereotypes promoted by media influence beauty perception and the need of plastic surgery.MethodsIn this study we examined factors influencing attitudes toward plastic surgery among 23 women with an average 35 years old and the data were collected through three questionnaire: The abbreviated multidimensional perfectionism scale (MPS) is a 30-item measure separated into two 15-item subscales: self-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism; The abbreviated perfectionistic self-presentation scale (PSPS) is a 20-item measure divided into two ten-item subscales: perfectionistic self-promotion and non-display of imperfection. Participants’ perceptions of media messages about appearance issues have been assessed using 30 items of the Sociocultural Attitudes toward Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3). Sociocultural attitudes toward appearance, physical appearance perfectionism were considered as predictors of tendency toward plastic surgery.ResultsThe results showed that there is significant positive association between perfectionism, the influence of mass media and increased women’ s likelihood of undergoing plastic surgery.ConclusionsOur findings suggest firstly that a greater perfectionist tendency and psychological investment in physical appearance predict more favorable attitudes toward plastic surgery. Perfectionists women may choose plastic surgery as part of their need of bodily perfection. Secondly, the choice of plastic surgery depended on sociocultural attitudes toward physical appearance.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Physical Appearance Perfectionism: Psychometric Properties and Factor Structure of an Assessment Instrument in a Representative Sample of Males.

Perfectionism is a multidimensional construct with both positive and negative aspects. Recently, the concept of appearance-oriented perfectionism has been introduced, which is associated with body image dissatisfaction and weight and shape control behaviors. The Physical Appearance Perfectionism Scale (PAPS) is a 12-item two-factor instrument developed to assess this new dimension of perfectionism. The aim of the study is to validate the Spanish version of PAPS among a representative sample of 850 male university students in Spain (M = 20 years old; SD = 2.7). Exploratory and confirmatory factorial structure, internal consistency, convergent and concurrent validity, and associated predictor variables analyses have been carried out. Results showed that the Spanish version of the PAPS maintains the original factor structure with all items and proves to be a reliable instrument. Physical appearance-oriented perfectionism is associated with general perfectionism, higher body dissatisfaction, Eating Disorders and Muscle Dysmorphia symptomatology, and compulsive exercise, particularly in the Worry about Imperfection subscale. These variables also act as predictors of physical appearance perfectionism. The use of the PAPS-S and the analysis of its subscales is recommended in the context of body image-related pathologies such as Eating Disorders and Muscle Dysmorphia.

Психологические факторы эмоциональной дезадаптации пациентов с двигательными нарушениями в области лица

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;The article presents the results of a pilot study of personality factors that affect the severity of symptoms of emotional disadaptation among patients with movement disorders in the face. The study involved 41 patients with an established neurological diagnosis with clinical manifestations in the form of movement disorders in the face. The age of the respondents ranged from 22 to 66 years (mean age &amp;ndash; 35.5&amp;plusmn;9.40). While studying the severity of emotional disadaptation the following have been included: the BFNE scale of fear of negative evaluation, aimed at studying the severity of fear of negative evaluation from others people (Leary, 1983; adaptation of E.N. Klimenkova, A.B. Kholmogorova, 2017), a depression scale aimed at examining the severity of symptoms of depression (Beck, 1961; adaptation of N.V. Tarabrina, 2001) and a Situational inventory of body image dysphoria designed to assess the negative attitude towards one's own body in the context certain situations (SIBID, Cash, 1994; adaptation of L.T. Baranskaya, A.E. Tkachenko, S.S. Tataurova, 2008) To study the psychological factors of emotional maladaptation, we used a three-factor questionnaire of physical perfectionism (A.B. Kholmogorova, A.A. Rakhmanina, 2020), a three-factor questionnaire of perfectionism (N.G. Garanyan, A.B. Kholmogorova , T.Yu. Yudeeva, 2018) and alexithymia scale (Toronto Alexithymia Scale or TAS-20 &amp;ndash; G.J. Taylor et al., 1985; E.G. Starostina, 2009). Increased indicators of social anxiety were revealed in 66% of respondents, and moderate or severe symptoms of depression &amp;ndash; in 39%; more than a third of respondents (37%) note increased appearance dissatisfaction. Physical appearance perfectionism, perfectionist cognitive style, and externally oriented thinking influenced body dissatisfaction level. In turn, the level of social anxiety depends on the level of socially prescribed perfectionism and the severity of external thinking, and the severity of symptoms of depression depends on the perfectionist&amp;rsquo;s cognitive style and the difficulty of identifying feelings. The results obtained substantiate the need to organize psychological assistance to this contingent and, on the basis of the developed methodological complex, make it possible to identify patients with an increased risk of emotional maladaptation.&lt;/p&gt;

The effect of physical appearance perfectionism and social comparison to thin-, slim-thick-, and fit-ideal Instagram imagery on young women’s body image

Body image research to date has examined the impact of thin- and fit-ideal media on women’s body image, however cultural trends in Western media have recently shifted towards a curvier body type called slim-thick, which is characterized by a large butt and thighs and small waist and flat stomach. We experimentally examined the impact of forced social comparison to slim-thick-, thin-, and fit-ideal imagery on women’s body image relative to a control condition, and whether physical appearance perfectionism moderated these findings. Participants were 402 female undergraduate students. Results revealed that comparison to body-ideal imagery resulted in greater weight and appearance dissatisfaction and less overall body satisfaction, relative to the control condition. Those exposed to slim-thick imagery experienced more weight and appearance dissatisfaction and less body satisfaction than those in the thin-ideal condition. Physical appearance perfectionism moderated these results, such that women who reported moderate or high levels of physical appearance perfectionism experienced greater weight and appearance dissatisfaction and lower body satisfaction in the slim-thick condition, than in the thin-ideal, fit-ideal, or control conditions. It was concluded that drive to achieve body ideals is shifting to a slim-thick body, which maybe more detrimental to women’s body image than thin-ideal imagery.

Worried about being imperfect? The mediating effect of physical appearance perfectionism between Instagram addiction and body esteem

Physical appearance is an important domain wherein people tend to have perfectionistic tendencies. Physical appearance perfectionism is a domain-specific type of perfectionism that has a potential role to play in how addiction to popular social media platforms such as Instagram can negatively impact a person's body esteem. To test the hypothesis that physical appearance perfectionism mediates the relationship between Instagram addiction and body esteem, data were collected from 902 undergraduate students from the Philippines. While there were gender differences in the levels of the variables, analysis showed that physical appearance perfectionism (worry about imperfection) significantly mediates the relationship between Instagram addiction and body esteem even after controlling for the effects of sex. This confirms the importance of studying how individual difference variables such as physical appearance perfectionism can explain why social media has a significant influence on how people perceive their physical bodies. Future research that tests the effects of Instagram addiction and physical appearance perfectionism on psychological outcomes other than body esteem is recommended to better inform the design of interventions for the prevention of addictive behaviors and potentially pathological traits.

Young women’s body image following upwards comparison to Instagram models: The role of physical appearance perfectionism and cognitive emotion regulation

The present study examined whether trait physical appearance perfectionism moderates young women’s body image following upwards appearance comparison to idealized body images on social media, and whether cognitive coping mediates the relationship between physical appearance perfectionism and resulting body image from social comparison processes. Female undergraduate students (N = 142) were randomly assigned to either 1) compare the size of their body parts to the body parts of attractive Instagram models, or 2) an appearance-neutral control condition. All participants completed measures of trait physical appearance perfectionism, pre and post measures of state body image, and state cognitive coping processes. Appearance comparison to the models resulted in lowered confidence and increased appearance and weight dissatisfaction. High trait physical appearance perfectionism predicted lower confidence and higher weight dissatisfaction and appearance dissatisfaction, and these relationships were mediated by engagement in rumination and catastrophizing. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

Does physical appearance perfectionism predict disordered dieting?

Despite that disordered eating has been repeatedly associated with perfectionism, the results are inconsistent as to which exact dimensions of perfectionism it is related to. Moreover, the increasing evidence that perfectionism is best conceptualized as a domain-specific, as opposed to a global, trait contribute to the lack of clarity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine which dimensions of global and physical appearance perfectionism statistically predict disordered dieting in a non-clinical adult female sample. In total 437 participants completed the Short Almost Perfect Scale, which distinguishes between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, the Physical Appearance Perfectionism Scale, which distinguishes between hope for perfection and worry about imperfection, and the Dieting subscale of the Eating Attitudes Test-26. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that only maladaptive, as opposed to adaptive, global perfectionism statistically predicted disordered dieting. Furthermore, both dimensions of physical appearance perfectionism statistically predicted disordered dieting, although worry about imperfection, its maladaptive dimension, was the strongest statistical predictor. The present results demonstrate that worry about imperfection is an effective statistical predictor of disordered dieting among women, possibly serving as a starting point for further research investigating the utility of its incorporation in prevention and treatment protocols for disordered eating.