Personality, Sexuality, and Beauty Standards: A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Canadian and German Women's Cosmetic Surgery Behaviours and Attitudes

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of various psychosocial factors on behaviours and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery among Canadian (n=97) and German (n=115) women, considering cultural differences and beauty standards. The primary objective was to provide valuable insights for physicians and psychologists when selecting suitable candidates for elective procedures, as current pre-surgical assessments often fail to integrate the psychological perspective. A correlation analysis was undergone and revealed that neuroticism moderately influenced interest and motivation for cosmetic surgery in both populations. Additionally, the Canadian group exhibited a moderate negative correlation between motivation for cosmetic surgery and early sexual experiences, effectively destigmatizing cosmetic surgery as a social indicator of early sexual behaviours. However, this correlation was not observed in the German cohort. Notably, Canadians reported a higher overall motivation for undergoing cosmetic surgery compared to Germans, as confirmed by a t-test. Surgeons should inquire about sexuality and personality in pre-surgical consultations to determine candidates who may benefit from the procedure and minimize harm. Future research should develop a standardized test for replication and include diverse demographics.