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Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

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19-12-2022 | Survey

Retouched or Unaltered? That is the Question. Body Image and Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery in Young Female Instagram Users

Authors: Amanda Nerini, Camilla Matera, Francesca Romani, Cristian Di Gesto, Giulia Rosa Policardo

Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery | Issue 6/2024

Abstract

Background

Viewing Instagram altered images of attractive women has negative effects on women’s body image. This study examined the effects of exposure to a ‘before’ and ‘after’ retouched image, in combination with a disclaimer, on female Instagram users’ thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction and acceptance of cosmetic surgery.

Methods

An experimental design with a control group without pretesting was adopted. Participants (N = 105) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1 was exposed to a replica of an Instagram post with an enhanced image of a woman; Group 2 was shown the same enhanced image and the original one in combination with a disclaimer that the enhanced image had been digitally edited; Group 3 (the control) was exposed to a neutral image.

Results

The MANOVA showed that participants in Group 2 reported lower levels of thin-ideal internalization and acceptance of cosmetic surgery for social reasons compared to those in Group 1. Contrary to our hypothesis, the degree of body dissatisfaction was not significantly different among the three groups.

Conclusions

The present study could be promising for the development of brief interventions aimed at reducing the negative effects of Instagram exposure on young women’s body image.

Level of Evidence V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

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Title: Retouched or Unaltered? That is the Question. Body Image and Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery in Young Female Instagram Users
Authors: Amanda Nerini
Camilla Matera
Francesca Romani
Cristian Di Gesto
Giulia Rosa Policardo
Publication date: 19-12-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery / Issue 6/2024
Print ISSN: 0364-216X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5241
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-022-03225-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Retouched or Unaltered? That is the Question. Body Image and Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery in Young Female Instagram Users

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence V

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence V

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