The beauty equation: an analysis of predictors of cosmetic surgery intentions in young adults
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: = 4.32). Engagement in weight control behaviours was common, with 63.4% engaging in at least one behaviour in the prior 12 months. Likewise, cosmetic surgery was common, with 19.4% previously having had cosmetic surgery and 43.5% interested in pursuing surgery in the future. We found that the strongest predictors of cosmetic surgery history and intentions were gender and engagement in other weight control behaviours, while increasing appearance-based rejection sensitivity and BMI were associated with a greater likelihood of intending to pursue cosmetic surgery in the future. These findings suggest that a variety of body image concerns and related behaviours can predict attitudes towards cosmetic surgery intentions, and that these motivations differ by gender. These results emphasise the importance of recognising gender‑specific body image concerns when developing interventions aimed at supporting informed cosmetic surgery decision‑making.
Source: Psychology Health & Medicine
Institutions: Adelaide University, The University of Adelaide
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7162942812