A comparative analysis of experiential avoidance, mindfulness, body image dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression and stress in applicants and non-applicants of cosmetic surgery

Research has been done on the relationship between emotion avoidance, physical well-being, body image dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression and stress, but the comparison of these variables with each other has been neglected. So the question is: Is there a difference between avoidance of experience, physical well-being, body image dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression and stress in cosmetic surgery applicants and non-cosmetic applicants?

The purpose of this study was to compare the experience of avoidance, physical well-being, body image dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression and stress in aesthetic and non-cosmetic applicants.

The study was causal-comparative. The statistical population of this study was cosmetic surgery applicants who referred to cosmetic clinics in Shiraz. 100 patients (13 males and 87 females) were selected through convenience sampling. For the control group, 100 female students of Shiraz University were selected by convenience sampling method. The tools are: Littleton, Axom & Perry (2005), Body Image Fear Questionnaire, Behavioral Brown & Ryan Questionnaire (2003), Bond Acceptance and Commitment Questionnaire, Hayes & Zettel (2011) and Lovebond Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (1995). Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance.

There was a significant difference between the applicants for cosmetic surgery and the non-applicants for the variables under study (P<0/001).

It can be stated that dissatisfaction with body image, experiential avoidance, depression, anxiety and stress, as well as low level of hygiene can lead to increased cosmetic surgery.