Students Satisfaction with Their Body Images and Their Attitudes Toward Plastic Surgery
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54150/alirsyad.v4i1.624Keywords:
Satisfaction , Appearance, Plastic Surgery , AttitudesAbstract
TBody image dissatisfaction and increasing interest in cosmetic procedures present significant psychosocial challenges among contemporary university students. This study examined body image satisfaction levels, areas of physical dissatisfaction, and attitudes toward plastic surgery among University of Zakho students. A descriptive survey approach collected data from 49 students (28 males, 21 females) using a validated 10-item questionnaire measuring satisfaction and attitudes. Analysis revealed hierarchical patterns of body dissatisfaction, with the nose being most dissatisfying facial feature (91.8% reported some facial dissatisfaction), followed by hair. The chest area generated highest body dissatisfaction (80% of those reporting body issues), followed by abdomen/buttocks. Students strongly perceived increased prevalence of cosmetic procedures (67.3% agreed "to a large extent") and acknowledged significant media influence (69.4%). While recognizing plastic surgery as necessary for others (particularly women), 65.3% expressed unwillingness to pursue such interventions personally, even if cost-free. Statistical analyses found no significant differences in attitudes based on gender or age variables. Findings suggest educational institutions should implement body image programs while regulatory frameworks ensure plastic surgeries address genuine needs rather than reinforcing unrealistic standards.
References
Abbas, L., & Dodeen, H. (2022). Body dysmorphic features among Snapchat users of "Beauty-Retouching of Selfies" and its relationship with quality of life. Media Asia, 49, 196-212. https://doi.org/10.1080/01296612.2021.2013065
Al Ghadeer, H. A., AlAlwan, M. A., AlAmer, M. A., Al-Otaibi, H. M., Alotaibi, K. M., & Abbas, K. S. (2021). Impact of self-esteem and self-perceived body image on the acceptance of cosmetic surgery. Cureus, 13(10), e18825. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.18825
AlBahlal, A., Alosaimi, N., Bawadood, M., AlHarbi, A., & AlSubhi, F. (2023). The effect and implication of social media platforms on plastic cosmetic surgery: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia from 2021 to 2022. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 5, ojad002. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad002
Aldosari, D. B. (2020). Do filters and pose in selfies have an effect on cosmetic procedures. Saudi Journal of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, 22, 21-23. https://doi.org/10.4103/SJOH.SJOH_1_20
Alghamdi, E. A., & Bogari, N. (2020). The impact of social media platforms "Instagram" and "Snapchat" on the purchasing decision - structural equation modelling approach. International Journal of Online Marketing, 10, 72-94. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJOM.2020010105
Arab, K., Barasain, O., Altaweel, A., Alkhayyal, J., Alshiha, L., Barasain, R., ... & Alshaalan, H. (2019). Influence of social media on the decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery–Global Open, 7(8), e2333. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002333
Ashikali, E. M., Dittmar, H., & Ayers, S. (2016). The impact of cosmetic surgery advertising on Swiss women’s body image and attitudes toward cosmetic surgery. Swiss Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000187
Ateq, K. H., Alhajji, M., & Alhusseini, N. (2024). The association between use of social media and the development of body dysmorphic disorder and attitudes toward cosmetic surgeries: A national survey. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1324092. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1324092
Atiyeh, B. S., Chahine, F., & Abou Ghanem, O. (2021). Social media and plastic surgery practice building: A thin line between efficient marketing, professionalism, and ethics. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 45(3), 1310-1321. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-020-01961-2
Chan, S. H. M., Qiu, L., & Xie, T. (2023). Understanding experiences in metaverse: how virtual nature impacts affect, pro-environmental attitudes, and intention to engage with physical nature. Computers in Human Behavior, 149, 107926. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.107926
Chopan, M., Sayadi, L., Clark, E. M., & Maguire, K. (2019). Plastic surgery and social media: examining perceptions. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 143(4), 1259-1265. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000005445
Conboy, L., & Mingoia, J. (2024). Social networking site use, self-compassion, and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery in young Australian women. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 9, 284-293. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-023-00334-1
Di Gesto, C., Nerini, A., Policardo, G. R., & Matera, C. (2022). Predictors of acceptance of cosmetic surgery: Instagram images-based activities, appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction among women. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 46, 502-512. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02546-3
Eldaly, A. S., & Mashaly, S. M. (2022). The new dilemma of plastic surgery and social media: A systematic review. European Journal of Plastic Surgery, 45, 371-382. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-021-01891-5
Guizzo, F., Canale, N., & Fasoli, F. (2021). Instagram sexualization: When posts make you feel dissatisfied and wanting to change your body. Body Image, 39, 62-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.06.005
Gupta, M., Jassi, A., & Krebs, G. (2023). The association between social media use and body dysmorphic symptoms in young people. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1231801. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1231801
Hermans, A. M., Boerman, S. C., & Veldhuis, J. (2022). Follow, filter, filler? Social media usage and cosmetic procedure intention, acceptance, and normalization among young adults. Body Image, 43, 440-449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.10.004
Jung, J., & Hwang, C. S. (2016). Associations between attitudes toward cosmetic surgery, celebrity worship, and body image among South Korean and US female college students. Fashion and Textiles, 3, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40691-016-0069-6
Kasmaei, P., Hassankiade, R. F., Karimy, M., Kazemi, S., Morsali, F., & Nasollahzadeh, S. (2020). Role of attitude, body image, satisfaction and socio-demographic variables in cosmetic surgeries of Iranian students. World Journal of Plastic Surgery, 9(2), 186. https://doi.org/10.29252/wjps.9.2.186
Lee, M., & Lee, H. H. (2021). Social media photo activity, internalization, appearance comparison, and body satisfaction: The moderating role of photo-editing behavior. Computers in Human Behavior, 114, 106579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106579
Mills, J. S., Musto, S., Williams, L., & Tiggemann, M. (2018). “Selfie” harm: Effects on mood and body image in young women. Body image, 27, 86-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.08.007
Mironica, A., Popescu, C. A., George, D., Tegze?iu, A. M., & Gherman, C. D. (2024). Social media influence on body image and cosmetic surgery considerations: a systematic review. Cureus, 16(7). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.65626
Mortada, H., AlRajhi, B., Hashem, A., Aljaaly, H. A., Obeid, F. M., Gelidan, A. G., & Arab, K. (2023). Use and influence of social media on the private practice of plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery–Global Open, 11(5), e5012. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005012
Nerini, A., Di Gesto, C., Lo Bartolo, M., Innocenti, A., Stefanile, C., & Matera, C. (2024). Self-awareness and social influences as predictors of body dissatisfaction and acceptance of cosmetic surgery for social reasons among men. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 48(5), 1016-1026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03565-y
Qolamani, K. I. B., Abdullah, S. A., & Rekani, M. Q. R. (2024). Empowering Social Studies Education: The Role of M-learning in Fostering Motivation and Well-being. Amalee: Indonesian Journal of Community Research and Engagement, 5(2), 645-658. https://doi.org/10.37680/amalee.v5i2.3983
Sindi, S. A., Alghamdi, M. K., Sindi, E. E., Bondagji, M. F., Baashar, D. S., Malibary, J. A., ... & Alkot, M. (2023). The prevalence and characteristics of body dysmorphic disorder among adults in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study. Cureus, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.35316
Song, S., & Johnson, K. K. (2020, December). A systematic review of the impact of selfie activities on body image concerns. In International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings (Vol. 77, No. 1). Iowa State University Digital Press. https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.12196
Truasheim, S., & Bonell, S. (2024). Does social media engagement influence men’s consideration of cosmetic surgery?. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 9(2), 191-203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-023-00317-2
Walker, C. E., Krumhuber, E. G., Dayan, S., & Furnham, A. (2021). Effects of social media use on desire for cosmetic surgery among young women. Current psychology, 40, 3355-3364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-019-00282-1
Zhou, Z. (2023). The influence of social appearance anxiety on impulsive consumption and acceptance of cosmetic surgery: Evidence from the multiple mediation model. Highlights in Business, Economics and Management, 6, 432-436. https://doi.org/10.54097/hbem.v6i.6482
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Zahid Sami Muhammad, Musaab Abdulhafidh Zainal Arezi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
