Self image and personality traits in the search for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. / Auto-imagem e características de personalidade na busca de cirurgia plástica estética

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2008

RESUMO

In the last years, several researches have attempted to identify the psychological motivations associated to the ever increasing search for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (APS). However the complexity of this subject and the methodological diversity of studies make it difficult for any evidences to be conclusive and further research is mandatory. In this context, the present study has the objective to investigate personality traits and the degree of satisfaction with their own body image, comparatively, in women in search for APS versus those who are not in search for APS. Seventy eight volunteer and healthy women from Ribeirão Preto (SP) applied for this study, ages ranging from 18 to 50 years old, and were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 37, patients in the wait list of the Ambulatory of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Hospital das Clínicas FMRP/USP, awaiting for augmentation breast surgery and/or liposuction) and Group 2 (n = 41, women that have not applied for APS, randomly chosen in the general population). These volunteers were individually evaluated by means of a brief interview about life history, questionnaire about social-economical classification, Human Figure Drawing (HFD), Body Image Satisfaction Scale (ESIC) and Comrey Personality Scales (CPS), applied and analyzed in accordance to their respective technical standards. Parametric statistical analysis was carried out (p 0,05) comparing the performance of G1 and G2 by means of the Students t test for numerical variables and of the Qui-Square or Fishers Exact test for nominal categorical variables. Correlation analysis was effected (Pearson) between CPS scales and the ESIC factors. Through the ANOVA One-Way, the variance analysis of the results obtained in objective techniques related to different graphical representations of HFD was also evaluated. The social-demographic characteristics of G1 and G2 were equivalent, without significant differences between the groups. The comparative statistical analysis of the results of G1 and G2 concerning the other analytical instruments indicated significant difference for ESIC Factor 1 (satisfaction with self appearance) and for the CPS T (Confidence X Defensive Attitude) and M (Masculinity X Femininity) scales. Comparison of HFD showed differences between the groups in eight items on the 1st Figure and 11 items on the 2nd Figure (grouping by order of the drawings), 11 items on Feminine Figure and 13 items on Masculine Figure (grouping by sex of HFD). G1 had significant correlation among ESIC Factor 1 with T, O, A and S scales of CPS, while the way of representation of the Human Figure (HFD) seemed to differentiate, in several items, the manner how women describe their personality traits (CPS) and their body image (ESIC), both in G1 and G2. The results suggest that the group of women in search for APS has less satisfaction with body image, more defensive attitude and affective sensibility than the group of women that is not in search for APS. It could be suggested that these characteristics may induce the search for aesthetic body enhancement. The results pointed out that psychic experience related to body image and personality traits are important elements to be considered in the clinical evaluation of patients in search for APS.

ASSUNTO(S)

aesthetic plastic surgery body image women. cirurgia plástica estética mulheres. personality psychological assessment imagem corporal personalidade avaliação psicológica

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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