The relationship between experimental avoidance with body image concern in predicting positive tendency to cosmetic surgery

Today, cosmetic surgery is an option to improve the quality of life. It is acquiring an increasing tendency all over the world.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between experiential avoidance with body image concern in predicting positive attitude towards performing cosmetic surgery in referrals to the dermatologists, hair and cosmetologists.

The research method was correlational, structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all the referrals to clinics of dermatologists and hair specialists, cosmetic and plastic surgeries in Sanandaj city in 2021. The sample size was determined 272 people using Morgan's table. The research instruments included the Standard Questionnaires of Experimental Avoidance, Attitude to Cosmetic Surgery, and the Lillton Body Image Concern. In order to analyze the data, statistical methods of Pearson's correlation coefficient, multivariate regression analysis in a simultaneous way, and structural equation modeling were used by applying SPSS version 26 and LISREL version 8.8 software.

The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between experimental avoidance with image concern (p<0.01, r=0.59), and positive tendency to cosmetic surgery (p<0.01, r=0.25). Also, there is a positive and significant relationship between body image concern and cosmetic surgery (p<0.01, r=0.49). The data analysis shows the appropriateness of the indicators and the model had a good fit.

The result of the research showed that the positive tendency towards cosmetic surgery can be predicted by the variables of experimental avoidance and body image concern. Therefore, it is suggested that psychologists and counselors pay more attention to the role of experimental avoidance and body image concern in order to reduce the possibility of the referrals tending to cosmetic surgeries.