Fear of negative appearance evaluation and cosmetic surgery consideration among adolescents: A test of a moderated mediation model

The surge in popularity of cosmetic surgery in recent years is noteworthy. In an era where societal standards of beauty increasingly shape individual development, it is imperative to comprehend the psychological factors that underpin the consideration of cosmetic surgery. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between fear of negative appearance evaluation (FNAE) and cosmetic surgery consideration as well as the mediating roles of body shame in this relationship. Furthermore, the moderating role of physical appearance perfectionism and body appreciation in the indirect association between FNAE and cosmetic surgery consideration via body shame was also examined. A sample of 1481 Chinese adolescents (720 girls, mean age = 15.49 ± 1.84) completed measures of FNAE, body shame, physical appearance perfectionism, body appreciation, and cosmetic surgery consideration. Results showed that FNAE was positively associated with cosmetic surgery consideration. Body shame mediated the association between FNAE and cosmetic surgery consideration. Furthermore, physical appearance perfectionism strengthened the association between body shame and cosmetic surgery consideration such that this association is more pronounced for individuals with high levels of physical appearance perfectionism. Additionally, body appreciation buffered the relationship between FNAE and body shame, with the relationship being significant only for individuals with low body appreciation. Findings of the present study enrich the literature on cosmetic surgery consideration, and have important implications for reducing negative body image and cosmetic surgery among adolescents.