Modeling the Tendency for Cosmetic Surgery Based on Irrational Beliefs and Socio-Cultural Attitudes: The Mediating Role of Body Image Dissatisfaction in Women
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Objective: This study aimed to test a structural model of the tendency toward cosmetic surgery based on irrational beliefs and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance, with body image dissatisfaction as a mediating variable among women attending cosmetic clinics in Tehran.
Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of women attending cosmetic clinics in Tehran in 2025. Using convenience sampling, 350 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Data were collected using the Cosmetic Surgery Tendency Questionnaire, Ahvaz Irrational Beliefs Questionnaire, Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire, and Body Image Concern Inventory. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-24 and AMOS-24 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.
Results: The proposed model showed a good fit to the data: χ²/df = 1.86, CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.94, NFI = 0.93, IFI = 0.95, GFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.049, and SRMR = 0.046. Irrational beliefs positively predicted body image dissatisfaction (β= 0.45, p< 0.001) and tendency toward cosmetic surgery (β= 0.22, p< 0.001). Sociocultural attitudes toward appearance positively predicted body image dissatisfaction (β= 0.32, p< 0.001) and tendency toward cosmetic surgery (β= 0.26, p<0.001). Body image dissatisfaction also positively predicted tendency toward cosmetic surgery (β= 0.29, p<0.001). The model explained 48% of the variance in body image dissatisfaction and 57% of the variance in tendency toward cosmetic surgery. Bootstrap analysis confirmed the partial mediating role of body image dissatisfaction.
Conclusion: Irrational beliefs and sociocultural attitudes influence women’s tendency toward cosmetic surgery both directly and indirectly through body image dissatisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of cognitive and sociocultural interventions in reducing excessive cosmetic surgery tendency.
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