Perceived emotional invalidation, physical appearance comparisons and attitude towards cosmetic surgery among female undergraduate university students

The popularity of cosmetic surgery procedures has considerably increased in the past decades. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of physical appearance comparisons between perceived invalidation of emotion (PIE) and attitude towards cosmetic surgery. A non-probability purposive sample of female undergraduate university students (N = 200), between the ages of 18-23 (Mage= 21.08, SD = 1.15), was recruited from both public and private universities across Lahore, Pakistan. All participants completed The Perceived Invalidation of Emotion Scale, The Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised and The Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale. Findings showed a significant positive relationship between PIE and attitude towards cosmetic surgery across all its dimensions namely social, intrapersonal and personal consideration of surgery; as well as, a significant positive relationship between physical appearance comparisons and all dimensions of attitude towards cosmetic surgery. It was also found that physical appearance comparisons play a mediating role between PIE and all dimensions of attitude towards cosmetic surgery except the intrapersonal. The research results provide beneficial implications for mental health professionals where these findings can help them understand their client's emotional concerns including appearance comparisons regarding cosmetic surgery. They can in turn help clients make informed decisions, without inappropriate affective forecasting and with independence from appearance and approval of others.