PERSONALITY TRAITS AS DETERMINANTS OF BODY IMAGE AND THE MEDIATION ROLE OF PERFECTIONISM IN COSMETIC SURGERY

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to examine the relationship between symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (body image) and personality traits: neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to new experiences as well as the mediating role of perfectionism on the relationship between personality traits and body image in people undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Methods: The following measurement instruments were used: (a) Sociodemographic variables; (b) The adjective measure of the five-factor model; (c) Burns scale of perfectionism; (d) Appearance Anxiety Inventory; (AAI).

Results: The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed that all personality traits are significant determinants of body image. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed that body image was significantly negatively associated with extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness, but positively associated only with neuroticism.

The results of hierarchical regression analysis, as well as mediation analysis, showed that perfectionism has been shown to play a mediating role in the relationship between personality traits and body image.

Conclusions: This research opens new directions for the study of psychological variables in cosmetic surgery and is also the first research in our area on the relationship between body image and personality traits. Because our sample is made up of participants who have had different surgical treatments, and given the huge increase in cosmetic surgery, a fuller understanding of personality influences can also allow surgeons to more accurately assess patients ’suitability for surgery. It can also lead to a better understanding of the psychological aspects of cosmetic surgery and strengthen the foundation for promoting a healthier body image.