The Relationship Between Body Image and Quality of Life Among Women who Apply for Cosmetic Surgery

Abstract

Background: Women with no physical defect request cosmetic surgery to increase self-confidence and quality of life(QoL). The aim of study is to identify relationship between body image(BI) and QoL as impacted by surgery. Methods: BI was assessed by Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), QoL by SF-36 scale. 80 women were divided into: Control Group (CG)-was satisfied with BI, Experimental Group1 (EG1)-was operated, ExperimentalGroup2 (EG2)-planning surgery. Pierson correlation coefficient was used for statistics. Findings: QoL is highest in CG, EG1 higher than EG2. The most significant differences in QoL indicate in 3 groups: EG1/EG2/CG: Emotional well-being (EWB) 52.6/41.65/73.3, Social functioning (SF) – 60/45.2/81. Significant results for MBSRQ: Appearance orientation(AO) is above norm in EG1, EG2.Body areas satisfaction(BAS) is higher in EG1 than in EG2 but lower than average coefficient. Significant correlations are between: EG1-SF and AO(r=-0.6), EG2-BAS and EWB(r=0.8), (p<0.5) Discussion: BI and self-esteem issues persist after cosmetic surgery. The poor QoL correlates with negative BI and impacts negatively on emotions, social activity and well being.