The unbearable struggle for beauty: Physical appearance perfectionism, mental health, and discrimination among heterosexual cisgender and sexually diverse youth in the Philippines

Abstract Physical appearance perfectionism (PAP) is prevalent in the Philippines. Studies have shown that body features such as the color of one’s skin, height, weight, hair length, and clothing one wears are often a cause for discrimination in schools and workplaces. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between PAP, mental health, discrimination, and other sociodemographic variables. A questionnaire, which included the Physical Appearance Perfectionism Scale, was distributed via convenience sampling to Filipinx youth aged 18 to 30 residing in the Philippines. Data collected from 959 Filipinx youth demonstrated that physical appearance perfectionism is high: specifically, the sub-domain of Worry about imperfection. Significant stress and depression were risk factors for PAP in all respondents for both perfectionism domains and, particularly, the sexually diverse youth. Notably, social media as an instigator of these triggers was refuted because Instagram was found to be a protective factor. We concluded that there is a significant relationship between mental health conditions and physical appearance perfectionism. The higher the level of stress and depression, the greater likelihood of PAP. Experience of everyday discrimination may also be a factor in worrying about imperfection and hoping for perfection.