Motivations of young adults towards facial cosmetic surgery and its psychological implications

• Main Authors: Antonio, Aissa B., Escalona, Monica Louise O.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Surgery, Plastic—Psychological aspects; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/5040
• Institution: De La Salle University

Filipinos, who pursued cosmetic surgery as young adults, were interviewed, in-depth, in this descriptive study. The intrinsic and the extrinsic factors of their motivation were identified. The corresponding psychological implications, positive and negative, were also explored. Fifteen respondents, who had surgery at the ages of 18-24, were given tests for body-image and self-esteem, and then interviewed. Almost all respondents showed high to average self-esteem as well as body image. Results of the content analysis of the interview revealed several intrinsic and extrinsic factors as well as positive and negative psychological implications. Intrinsic motivations included insecurities, benefits, and risks considered. Extrinsic motivations included encouragements and influences from family, friends, and culture. Positive psychological implications include physical and psychological improvements. Negative psychological implications were mostly limitations and judgments from others.