To Post or not to Post? That is the Question. Relationship between Selfie Behavior and Cosmetic Surgery Attitude among Chinese Young Adult Women: Mediation of Negative Physical Self

Recently, young women have become the primary drivers of the increasing demand for cosmetic surgery. Previous studies have indicated a significant positive correlation between selfies and considering cosmetic surgery. However, limited research has explored the relationship between different types of selfies (i.e., posting versus non-posting selfies) and attitudes toward plastic surgery among Chinese young adult women, as well as the role of negative physical self in this context.

A sample of 572 Chinese female undergraduates aged 17 to 22 completed measures of selfie behavior, negative physical self, and acceptance of cosmetic surgery.

Results showed a significant positive correlations between non-posting selfies and facial appearance concern, as well as two dimensions of plastic surgery attitude (i.e., the social and consider and the personal). Moreover, the relationship between non-posting selfies and the social and consider dimension of plastic surgery attitudes was mediated by facial appearance concern and fatness concern, while the relationship between non-posting selfies and the personal dimension of plastic surgery attitudes was mediated solely by facial appearance concern. Additionally, fatness concern mediated the relationship between posting selfies and both dimensions of attitudes toward plastic surgery.

These results suggest that posting and non-posting selfies behaviors may affect attitudes toward plastic surgery through different mechanisms. This study provides empirical support for the tripartite influence theory and the self-objectification theory in understanding the relationship selfie behavior and plastic surgery attitudes. Moreover, it underscores the roles of social media and negative physical self in shaping attitudes toward plastic surgery, highlighting the importance for relevant clinicians and practitioners to take these factors into account.

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