Social Appearance Anxiety 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.

A structural modeling approach to determine the effects of orthorexia nervosa and social appearance anxiety on healthy lifestyle behaviors in young adults

Aims: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between orthorexia nervosa (ON) and social appearance anxiety (SAA) and to investigate the effects of these variables on healthy lifestyle behaviors (HLB) in young adults aged 18-30 years. Methods: A total of 408 young adult male and female volunteers, with a mean age of 21.7±2.95 years, participated in this study. A structural model was proposed to examine the effects of SAA and ON on HLB. To assess how well the study variables represented the underlying components, we first evaluated a confirmatory measurement model. Subsequently, we analyzed a structural model that allowed for the examination of multiple regression equations involving several dependent variables. Results: SAA had a negative influence on HLB (std β=-0.673; t-value=-8.425), a significant negative relationship between ON, HLB was also promoted (std β=-0.554; t-value=-9.388). It was determined that there is a positive correlation between SAA, ON which is statistically significant (correlation coefficient=0.830; t-value=10.244). Conclusion: It is concluded that the individuals with high social appearance anxiety do not adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors and are more prone to orthorexia nervosa.

Evaluation of Social Appearance Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Eating Behavior, and Body Image in Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty Patients

Evaluation of Social Appearance Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Eating Behavior, and Body Image in Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty Patients

Shame, Guilt, and Pride Moderate the Relationship between Social Appearance Anxiety and Eating Disorder Symptoms

Shame, Guilt, and Pride Moderate the Relationship between Social Appearance Anxiety and Eating Disorder Symptoms

Exploring Gender Differences, Perceptions, and Behaviors: The Interplay Between Social Media Addiction and Social Appearance Anxiety Among Young Adults

The pervasive influence of social media has significantly impacted the mental health and well-being of young adults, particularly through increased social media addiction (SMA) and social appearance anxiety (SAA). Our study investigates the relationship between social media addiction and social appearance anxiety among young adults, highlighting the interplay between compulsive social media use and concerns about physical appearance. A sample of 549 undergraduate students from Turkey, including 339 females and 210 males, completed the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS). Data were analyzed using correlation, independent t-tests, and linear regression to explore the relationships and differences between variables. Our study found significant relationships between SMA and SAA, with higher levels of addiction linked to increased appearance anxiety. Social comparison tendencies and photo-editing behaviors were also associated with higher SMA and SAA. No significant gender differences were observed, suggesting a universal impact of social media on these psychological issues. The findings underscore the intertwined nature of SMA and SAA, emphasizing the need for comprehensive interventions that address both aspects to improve mental health outcomes. Promoting positive self-comparisons and reducing photo-editing behaviors online can help mitigate the negative effects of social media use on young adults’ mental well-being.

The Relationship of Aesthetic Dentistry Practices with Depression and Social Appearance Anxiety in Young Women.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between depression and social appearance anxiety in young female patients who applied for aesthetic dental treatment. The study was conducted in a single centre and included 56 female patients aged 18-35 years. The mean age of the participants was 22.27 ± 5.62 years. Participants were informed before treatment, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were administered. Immediately after the treatment and 1 month later, the SAAS and VAS were administered again. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for the comparison of the data obtained and the Friedman test was used for temporal comparison. Multiple comparisons were made with Dunn's test. After aesthetic dental treatment, all participants' satisfaction with the appearance of their teeth increased, and social appearance anxiety decreased (p 0.001). The group with the lowest pretreatment satisfaction level was the group with moderate/high-level depressive symptoms. There was no correlation between the severity of depression and the increase in satisfaction after treatment (r = 0.247; p = 0.066). Satisfaction levels were similar in all depression groups after treatment. The group with the highest level of social appearance anxiety before and after treatment was the group with moderate/high-severity depressive symptoms. A moderate positive correlation was found between depression severity and social appearance anxiety (r = 0.4; p = 0.002). The severity of depressive symptoms seen before treatment does not affect the level of satisfaction after treatment. There is a decrease in social appearance anxiety after aesthetic dental treatment. There is a positive relationship between social appearance anxiety and depression severity.

Psychological status of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion undergoing bimaxillary surgery: A comparative study.

Skeletal Class III malocclusion can significantly impact psychological well-being. Although bimaxillary surgery is a well-established corrective intervention, its psychological effects are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate changes in self-esteem, sensitivity to criticism, and social appearance anxiety following surgery to inform targeted nursing interventions for psychological adaptation. This comparative study included 205 participants: 150 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent bimaxillary surgery, and a control group of 55 individuals without malocclusion. The malocclusion group had a mean age of 21.99 ± 2.28 years (96 males, 109 females). The control group consisted of department interns with Class I occlusion, normal overjet and overbite, and typical facial appearance, with a mean age of 21.61 ± 2.40 years (26 males, 29 females). Psychological assessments, validated for reliability, measured self-esteem, sensitivity to criticism, and social appearance anxiety before and after surgery. Statistical analyses, including independent sample t tests and one-way ANOVA, were performed to compare outcomes between the groups, with a significance level set at P < .05. Preoperative assessments revealed that patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion had significantly lower self-esteem and higher sensitivity to criticism and social appearance anxiety compared to the control group (P < .05). Postoperatively, there were modest improvements in self-esteem and significant reductions in sensitivity to criticism and social appearance anxiety, though levels of social appearance anxiety remained higher than those in the control group (P < .05). No significant differences in self-esteem and sensitivity to criticism were observed between the surgical and control groups postoperatively (P > .05). Within-group comparisons showed significant improvements in all measures after surgery (P < .05). Bimaxillary surgery positively affects the psychological well-being of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion, enhancing self-esteem and reducing sensitivity to criticism and social appearance anxiety. However, some psychological concerns persist, indicating a need for targeted nursing interventions to further support these patients' psychological well-being.

How Do Social Media Affect Social Appearance Anxiety of Chinese High School StudentsTake Little Red Book for an Example

As technology popularizes and advances by leaps and bounds, social media has become an increasing part of teenagers lives. Social media use can shape mentality and change people's behavior, which may lead to social appearance anxiety. Adolescents are exposed to messages containing certain characteristics when browsing social networks, such as the tendency of people to show their relatively perfect body image on social media, producing low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence issues. Individuals with social appearance anxiety typically hold negative views of their bodies and appearance, and they often try to hide features or body parts that they dislike. Combining with Social Comparison Theory, people tend to compare themselves to other people, including comparing their looks to those celebrities we see on social media platforms. Such a trend is particularly pronounced and on the rise among adolescent females. Drawing on Self-Objectification Theory, the research examines how social media affects the level of Chinese female high school students' social appearance anxiety, using Little Red Book, a common social media used by the Chinese youth population, as an example. The paper uses online case study of self-reports and online questionnaire survey to analyze the present days social appearance anxiety issue among Chinese high school students in the society. The context of this essay includes the cause and effect of social appearance anxiety due to social media; correlation studies and analyses of appearance concerns are relevant to online activities, especially selfies related that receive through social media.

Investigation of Appearance Anxiety Levels and Influencing Factors in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Facial Cosmetic Procedures.

This study aimed to investigate appearance anxiety and its influencing factors in patients undergoing minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures. A convenience sampling method was used to select 351 patients who attended the outpatient clinic of the Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January to August 2023. Patients completed self-administered and social appearance anxiety questionnaires before treatment. The mean appearance anxiety score was 2.49±0.85, indicating a moderate level of anxiety. Significant differences in appearance anxiety levels were observed based on age (p = 0.010), gender (p = 0.026), marital status (p = 0.032), number of children (p = 0.019), facial wrinkle removal procedures (p = 0.023), self-pleasure (p = 0.043), and special attention to the treatment area (p = 0.042). Multiple linear regression analysis identified facial wrinkle removal (p = 0.018), facial depression filling (p = 0.049), and special attention to the treatment area (p = 0.034) as significant factors. Younger populations are more likely to seek improved appearance for better opportunities. The uncertainty of treatment outcomes may also increase social appearance anxiety in patients. Patients can reduce this anxiety by increasing their self-efficacy and self-confidence. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The effect of desire to be liked and social appearance anxiety on aesthetic surgery acceptance in female nurses

BackgroundA rapid increase has been observed in aesthetic surgery procedures in recent years and it has been determined that females have more aesthetic procedures. While different groups of female groups were taken as a sample in the studies, no study on female nurses was found. In this study, it is thought that psychological reasons such as stress, anxiety, desire to be liked and lack of self-confidence that lead women to plastic surgery will reduce the professional performance of nurses and this situation will create additional workload for other colleagues. Therefore, the aim of the study is to reveal the effect of desire to be liked and social appearance anxiety on the acceptance of female nurses to plastic surgery.MethodsThe population of the cross-sectional study consisted of 243.565 nurses working in public, private and university hospitals in Turkey. A questionnaire form was used as a data collection tool in the study. In the first part of the form, there are statements aiming to reveal the socio-demographic characteristics, social media usage levels and aesthetic surgery experiences of nurses, and in the second part, there is a desire to be liked scale, social appearance anxiety scale and aesthetic surgery acceptance scale. The 1004 questionnaire forms collected as a result of the study were subjected to percentage, frequency, correlation and regression analysis.Results41.2% of the nurses have had aesthetic procedures before and 68.4% of them want to have aesthetic procedures when there is an area they do not like in their body. A strong positive relationship was found between the desire to be liked, social appearance anxiety, and aesthetic surgery acceptance (r > 0.500, p < 0.01). Aesthetic surgery acceptance is affected by the desire to be liked and by social appearance anxiety.ConclusionIn the study, it was determined that social appearance anxiety and the desire to be liked led female nurses to plastic surgery. According to the results of similar studies conducted in different groups, it may be recommended that awareness training be organized both in schools and through digital media about the consequences of unnecessary plastic surgery.

Prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder, its clinical characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities in patients admitted to a plastic surgery outpatient clinic

Purpose The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), its clinical features, and comorbidities in patients applying for plastic and reconstructive surgery. Method Five-hundred and seventy nine participants who applied to the plastic and reconstructive surgery outpatient clinic completed a sociodemographic data form, and were subjected to the Body Perception Scale (seventy-nineBPS), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), TEMPS-A Temperament Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Participants who scored 135 or more on the BPS were included in a psychiatric interview. Next, the participants diagnosed with BDD were compared with participants with a high BPS scores but without a BDD diagnosis, along with a control group. Results The prevalence of BDD among all patients attending the plastic surgery outpatient clinic was found to be 4.7%, whereas the prevalence was 8.6% among those specifically seeking cosmetic procedures. The mean SAAS, BDI, TEMPS-A depressive, and anxious scores were higher in the BDD group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The difference in the mean SAAS, BDI, TEMPS-A depressive, and anxious scores of the patients with a high BPS scores and the control group was comparable to the difference observed between the BDD and control groups. A regression analysis revealed that the SAAS and depressive temperament scores have an effect on the BPS score. Conclusion The significantly high comorbidity of BDD in patients seeking plastic and reconstructive surgery underscores the importance of identifying these patients to prevent unnecessary surgical procedures.

The predictors of objectified body consciousness among adolescents: Socıal appearance anxiety and social media use

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of social appearance anxiety and social media addiction on objectified body consciousness among adolescents. MethodThis descriptive and cross-sectional study included 502 adolescents. The Child and Family Information Form, Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, Objectified Body Consciousness Scale-Youth Form, and Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents were used to collect data. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis H test and regression analysis were used. ResultsIn the study, being female, being pleased with one's weight, and following and being influenced by influencers all increase levels of self-objectification. It was found that social media addiction, social appearance anxiety, and self-objectification all have an effect on one another. ConclusionIt was concluded that social media usage characteristics, social media addiction, social appearance anxiety affect self-objectification.

Social Media Influence on Body Image and Cosmetic Surgery Considerations: A Systematic Review.

Social media platforms like Instagram (Meta Platforms, Inc.,Menlo Park, California, United States) and Snapchat(SnapInc., California, United States) significantly influence motivations for aesthetic surgery by promoting idealized and digitally enhanced images. Understanding their impact on body image dissatisfaction and acceptance of cosmetic procedures is crucial. A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines explored the link between social media, body image dissatisfaction, and cosmetic surgery. The review included 25 studies with 13,731 participants. Specific findings revealed that 70% of young adult women and 60% of young adult men report dissatisfaction with their bodies, leading to increased surgical considerations. The search process utilized databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, employing keywords like "cosmetic surgery," "social media," and "body image dissatisfaction" for articles published between January 2013 and December 2023. Both men and women show increased dissatisfaction with body parts, leading to surgical considerations. Social media's emphasis on visual aesthetics fosters body dissatisfaction and social appearance anxiety, especially through selfies. Cultural norms and celebrity influence further shape beauty perceptions. While social media promotes cosmetic surgery acceptance, ethical concerns about misleading advertisements, unrealistic beauty standards, and patient privacy persist. This underscores the need for strategies to promote healthy body image and informed choices in the digital age.

Body image and social appearance anxiety in patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe body image of patients with cancer can be negatively affected due to treatment toxicities. Changes in body image may cause patients to experience social appearance anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the body image and social appearance anxiety of patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted with 153 patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy in a university hospital. The data were collected with a Patient Information Form, the Body Image Scale, and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Skin Toxicity Criteria.ResultsPatients’ mean body image score was 15.18 ± 8.26 (min = 0, max = 30), mean social appearance anxiety score was 45.29 ± 14.50 (min = 16, max = 80). Patients with low education levels and low-income levels had higher body image and social appearance anxiety scores (p < 0.01). Body image and social appearance anxiety scores were found to be higher in patients with advanced cancer, grade III-IV skin toxicity, pain, fatigue, and constipation (p < 0.05).ConclusionsRadiotherapy may negatively affect body image and social appearance anxiety. Assessments of body image and social appearance anxiety regularly before, during, and after treatment are essential. Psychosocial support should be provided to patients to reduce body image and social appearance anxiety and increase their well-being. Patients with cancer especially those who have low income and education levels, advanced cancer stage and skin toxicity, and suffer from pain, fatigue, constipation, etc. should be supported by methods such as counseling and social support groups.

Social Appearance Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Life Satisfaction Relationship in Individuals Who Have Undergone Aesthetic Procedures

Objective: The study aims to determine the relationship between social appearance anxiety, self-esteem, and life satisfaction of individuals who have had aesthetic procedures. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on individuals who applied to a private clinic in Samsun. The study involved 284 people who received aesthetic surgery services. The data of the study were collected online between August 2022 and October 2022. Study data were collected by questionnaire forms prepared on Google Forms. Study data were collected through four forms, namely, the personal introduction form, social appearance anxiety scale, life satisfaction scale, and Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Results: As a result of the study, there is a significant negative relationship between life satisfaction and social appearance anxiety (r=-0.393). There is a weak positive correlation between social appearance anxiety and self-esteem (r=0.168). There is a weak negative relationship between life satisfaction and self-esteem (r=-0.173). Conclusion: It has been determined that individuals with high social appearance anxiety have low life satisfaction. It may be appropriate for individuals with high social appearance anxiety to receive professional support to improve their quality of life.

Evaluation of social appearance concerns and satisfaction after orthognathic surgery

The main aim of orthognathic surgery is to provide a good occlusion and masticatory function and to achieve positive changes in facial aesthetics. The aim of this study was to determine the reasons behind patients' acceptance of orthognathic surgery and their expectations from this treatment, to assess whether their expectations were met, the change in their self-confidence and their satisfaction, and finally, to use the results obtained to inform future surgical procedures to increase patient satisfaction. The study was designed as a cross-sectional observational study and included 73 people treated with orthognathic surgery (surgery group) and 42 people with minimal crowding who did not require treatment (control group). The study found that the primary reason for requesting orthognathic surgery was to improve facial appearance and that patients had high expectations in this regard. Using the Social Appearance Anxiety Questionnaire and the Expectation and Satisfaction Questionnaire, 73.97 % of patients in our study said the treatment met their expectations and 90.41 % said they were satisfied with the overall results of the surgery. The study also highlighted the importance of surgeon-patient communication and the satisfaction of the patient's environment with the final result in determining patient satisfaction. In conclusion, since patients' high expectations of orthognathic surgery influence treatment success and patient satisfaction, it is important to know and manage patients' expectations before treatment and to have good patient-surgeon communication to increase patient satisfaction after surgery.

Social Appearance Anxiety and Quality of Life among Adolescents with Acne

Background: Acne is a prevalent condition among adolescents, significantly impacting their psychological well-being and quality of life. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between acne, social appearance anxiety, and quality of life among adolescents in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Objective: To explore the relationship between acne, social appearance anxiety, and quality of life among adolescents aged 12-19 years and to identify significant predictors of quality of life. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 327 participants (181 males and 146 females) recruited through purposive sampling from various educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Data were collected using the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), Teenager's Quality of Life Index (T-QoL), informed consent forms, and a self-developed demographic sheet. Statistical analyses included correlation analysis, regression analysis, and t-tests using SPSS-21. Results: The study revealed a significant positive correlation between acne, social appearance anxiety, and quality of life (p &lt; 0.01). Social appearance anxiety was the most significant predictor of quality of life (B = 0.30, p &lt; 0.01), while age was the least significant (B = 0.23, p = 0.55). Females scored higher on quality of life (M = 12.93, SD = 7.37) compared to males (M = 12.80, SD = 6.64). Males scored higher on acne (M = 6.30, SD = 3.08) and social appearance anxiety (M = 41.31, SD = 13.74) compared to females (acne: M = 5.81, SD = 3.40; social appearance anxiety: M = 40.0, SD = 14.86). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that social appearance anxiety is a significant predictor of quality of life among adolescents with acne. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve the psychological well-being of adolescents affected by acne.

Exploring The Relationship between Self-Concealment and Attitudes Towards Social Media, Social Appearance Anxiety and Sensation Seeking

Exploring The Relationship between Self-Concealment and Attitudes Towards Social Media, Social Appearance Anxiety and Sensation Seeking

Self-Esteem, Social Appearance Anxiety and Quality of Life among Adolescents with Acne

Background: Acne is a common dermatological condition affecting adolescents, often leading to psychological issues such as low self-esteem and social appearance anxiety. Understanding the impact of acne on quality of life during adolescence is crucial for developing effective interventions. Objective: To explore the relationship between acne, self-esteem, social appearance anxiety, and quality of life among adolescents, and to identify gender differences and significant predictors of quality of life in this population. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed purposive sampling to recruit 327 adolescents aged 12-19 years from various educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Participants completed the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Teenager's Quality of Life Index (T-QoL). Informed consent was obtained directly from participants aged 18 and older, and from guardians for those younger than 18. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing Pearson's correlation, t-tests, and linear regression to assess relationships and predictors. Reliability of the scales was confirmed, and psychometric properties were evaluated. Results: Significant correlations were found between acne and social appearance anxiety (r = 0.523, p &lt; 0.01), acne and self-esteem (r = -0.320, p &lt; 0.01), and acne and quality of life (r = 0.566, p &lt; 0.01). Females reported higher self-esteem (M = 27.46, SD = 4.59) compared to males (M = 26.33, SD = 3.50, t(325) = -2.52, p = 0.01). Social appearance anxiety was the most significant predictor of quality of life (β = 0.61, p &lt; 0.01), followed by self-esteem (β = -0.12, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Acne significantly impacts adolescents' psychological well-being, particularly through increased social appearance anxiety and reduced self-esteem. Gender differences highlight the need for tailored interventions. Addressing social appearance anxiety can improve the quality of life for adolescents with acne.

Concerns about fertility, social appearance, and relationships in young adults with polycystic ovary syndrome

ABSTRACT Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), affecting 1–11% of reproductive-age women, is characterised by many symptoms that cause important concerns especially in young adults. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the concerns about fertility, social appearance, and relationships in young adults with PCOS. Methodology This descriptive study included 140 young female adults aged 18–26, who were diagnosed with PCOS, agreed to participate in the onlineresearch through social media between July and December 2022 in Turkey. Data were collected using the ’Participant Interview Form’ and the ”Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS). Results The mean age of the participants was 22.1 ± 2.1. As the most common symptoms, 78.6% experienced menstrual irregularities, 16.4% were overweight, 7.1% were obese, 67.1% had hirsutism and 65.7% had acne. Most of the participants expressed concerns about future infertility (72.9%), and worried about being unable to conceive due to PCOS in the future (sometimes = 61.4%). Over eighty percent of the participants expressed some level of dissatisfaction with their physical appearance. They commonly believe that their self-esteem, emotionalstate, social relationships and partner relationships could be negatively affected by PCOS. SAAS scores were significantly increased by low income, high BMI, hirsutism, dissatisfaction with physicalappearance, low self-esteem, emotional problems and concerns related to social and partner relationships (p < 0.05). Conclusion Young adults have common concerns about the potential negative impacts of PCOS on fertility, social appearance, and relationships. Health professionals should be aware of their counselling needs about the possible physical and psycho-social effects of PCOS and provide continuous care and support.