Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Appearance comparison, fear of negative evaluation and attitudes toward cosmetic surgery in adults
Rabia Jameel1, Sahrash Jahangir1, Mah Noor1
1Riphah Institute of Clinical and Professional Psychology, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Objectives:
To investigate the connection between appearance comparison, fear of negative evaluation, and attitude towards cosmetic surgery, and to find out the mediating role of fear of negative evaluation.
Methods:
The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Riphah Institute of Clinical and Professional Psychology, Riphah International University, Lahore, from April to November 2022, and comprised adults aged 19-40 years of both genders from across the country. Data was collected online using a self-designed demographic sheet, the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale, the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale, and the Fear of Negative Appearance Evaluation Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.
Results:
Of the 405 participants, 337(83.2%) were females and 68(16.8%) were males. The overall mean age was 27.17±5.450 years. Appearance comparison related to body image was positively linked with fear of negative evaluation and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery (p<0.05), while appearance comparison related to body image and fear of negative evaluations significantly predicted attitudes towards cosmetic surgery (p<0.005). Moreover, fear of negative evaluation significantly mediated between appearance comparison related to body image and attitude towards cosmetic surgery (p<0.000).
Conclusions:
Appearance comparison related to body image was found to be significantly associated with fear of negative evaluation and attitude towards cosmetic surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
