Statistical analysis of the correlation between body perception and desire to undergo plastic surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Social media has generated an increase in selfevaluation and the search for the ideal appearance. Thus, the motivation to use surgical methods to improve physical appearance has grown exponentially. Methods: The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), Body Investment Scale (BIS), and Questionnaire of Interest in Future Plastic Surgeries (QIFPS) were administered to 64 students. Once the data were collected, a quantitative statistical analysis using the chi-square test and relative risk (RR) was conducted. Results: The BSQ mean was 98.04, the relation of greater punctuation in this questionnaire with QIFPS presented an RR of 2.41; (p = 0.002). The mean BIS score was 91; compared to the QIFPS, it was not statistically relevant (RR = 0.94; p = 0.83). Regarding the objective question of body satisfaction and QIFPS, highest body dissatisfaction was a risk factor for desiring more plastic surgeries (RR = 1.94; p = 0.003), as was female sex (RR = 3.01; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a high BSQ score, high body dissatisfaction, and female sex are risk factors for a desire to undergo plastic surgery.

Keywords

• aesthetics
• physical appearance
• plastic surgery
• body mass index
• personal satisfaction
• bullying
• overweight
• body image