#body-image — Public Fediverse posts

💃 With the current discussion happening on celebrity body image, we are pointing out hashtag#ExpertSpotlight towards #AdelaideUni's Dr Sophie Dahlenburg-Grzeczkowski

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Sophie's research has a focus on body image/eating disorders and the intersection of sexual and gender minorities.

✨ More info here: https://www.scimex.org/experts?name=sophie-dahlenburg&a=891259

#science #eatingdisorder #gender #bodyimage

💃 With the current discussion happening on celebrity body image, we are pointing out hashtag#ExpertSpotlight towards #AdelaideUni's Dr Sophie Dahlenburg-Grzeczkowski

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Sophie's research has a focus on body image/eating disorders and the intersection of sexual and gender minorities.

✨ More info here: https://www.scimex.org/experts?name=sophie-dahlenburg&a=891259

#science #eatingdisorder #gender #bodyimage

💃 With the current discussion happening on celebrity body image, we are pointing out hashtag#ExpertSpotlight towards #AdelaideUni's Dr Sophie Dahlenburg-Grzeczkowski

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Sophie's research has a focus on body image/eating disorders and the intersection of sexual and gender minorities.

✨ More info here: https://www.scimex.org/experts?name=sophie-dahlenburg&a=891259

#science #eatingdisorder #gender #bodyimage

💃 With the current discussion happening on celebrity body image, we are pointing out hashtag#ExpertSpotlight towards #AdelaideUni's Dr Sophie Dahlenburg-Grzeczkowski

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Sophie's research has a focus on body image/eating disorders and the intersection of sexual and gender minorities.

✨ More info here: https://www.scimex.org/experts?name=sophie-dahlenburg&a=891259

#science #eatingdisorder #gender #bodyimage

💃 With the current discussion happening on celebrity body image, we are pointing out hashtag#ExpertSpotlight towards #AdelaideUni's Dr Sophie Dahlenburg-Grzeczkowski

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Sophie's research has a focus on body image/eating disorders and the intersection of sexual and gender minorities.

✨ More info here: https://www.scimex.org/experts?name=sophie-dahlenburg&a=891259

#science #eatingdisorder #gender #bodyimage

Blogger brings body-acceptance journey to the stage

The topics of body image and self-acceptance often dominate headlines, but one north Belfast woman is hoping to…
#Canada #bodyimage #FéileanPhobail #NualaMoore #weightloss
https://www.europesays.com/canada/157696/

✮ The Crash Out ✮ 

Subscribe to keep reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

✮ The Crash Out ✮ 

Subscribe to keep reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

✮ The Crash Out ✮ 

Subscribe to keep reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

How online doom scroll of 'toxic fitspo content' led to eating disorder
By Isabella Ross

An avalanche of "toxic fitspo content" online was the catalyst for Isabella Charon's eating disorder, but what kickstarted it had been her time within the modelling industry.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-05/butterfly-foundation-negative-body-image-new-research-emerges/106982830

#BodyImage #MentalHealth #EatingDisorders #IsabellaRoss

How online doom scroll of 'toxic fitspo content' led to eating disorder
By Isabella Ross

An avalanche of "toxic fitspo content" online was the catalyst for Isabella Charon's eating disorder, but what kickstarted it had been her time within the modelling industry.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-05/butterfly-foundation-negative-body-image-new-research-emerges/106982830

#BodyImage #MentalHealth #EatingDisorders #IsabellaRoss

How online doom scroll of 'toxic fitspo content' led to eating disorder
By Isabella Ross

An avalanche of "toxic fitspo content" online was the catalyst for Isabella Charon's eating disorder, but what kickstarted it had been her time within the modelling industry.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-05/butterfly-foundation-negative-body-image-new-research-emerges/106982830

#BodyImage #MentalHealth #EatingDisorders #IsabellaRoss

How online doom scroll of 'toxic fitspo content' led to eating disorder
By Isabella Ross

An avalanche of "toxic fitspo content" online was the catalyst for Isabella Charon's eating disorder, but what kickstarted it had been her time within the modelling industry.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-05/butterfly-foundation-negative-body-image-new-research-emerges/106982830

#BodyImage #MentalHealth #EatingDisorders #IsabellaRoss

How online doom scroll of 'toxic fitspo content' led to eating disorder
By Isabella Ross

An avalanche of "toxic fitspo content" online was the catalyst for Isabella Charon's eating disorder, but what kickstarted it had been her time within the modelling industry.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-05/butterfly-foundation-negative-body-image-new-research-emerges/106982830

#BodyImage #MentalHealth #EatingDisorders #IsabellaRoss

It took a heatwave to get me to shed my shame and my sleeves, but now there’s no stopping me. Life is cooler in every way ‘Aren’t you hot in that?” was the question that plagued my summers as a… #wellness #bodyimage #confidence

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/aug/03/the-one-change-that-worked-learned-to-love-my-arms-body-confidence?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into FLIPBOARD EXCHANGE FEED 🗞️ @flipboard-exchange-feed-Econopass

It took a heatwave to get me to shed my shame and my sleeves, but now there’s no stopping me. Life is cooler in every way ‘Aren’t you hot in that?” was the question that plagued my summers as a… #wellness #bodyimage #confidence

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/aug/03/the-one-change-that-worked-learned-to-love-my-arms-body-confidence?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into FLIPBOARD EXCHANGE FEED 🗞️ @flipboard-exchange-feed-Econopass

💙 Self-Esteem, Confidence & Body Image Awareness | School Presentation | Classes 6–12 – Help students build confidence, develop a positive self-image and overcome unhealthy comparisons. Free PDF for Teachers & Schools. 👉 https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/self-esteem-confidence-body-image-awareness-pdf-presentation-for-school-teachers-and-students-in-class-6-to-12-pdf/288953910 #SelfEsteem #ConfidenceBuilding #BodyImage #StudentWellbeing #MentalHealth #Teachers #SchoolEducation #LifeSkills #Class6to12 #IndiaTutor

💙 Self-Esteem, Confidence & Body Image Awareness | School Presentation | Classes 6–12 – Help students build confidence, develop a positive self-image and overcome unhealthy comparisons. Free PDF for Teachers & Schools. 👉 https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/self-esteem-confidence-body-image-awareness-pdf-presentation-for-school-teachers-and-students-in-class-6-to-12-pdf/288953910 #SelfEsteem #ConfidenceBuilding #BodyImage #StudentWellbeing #MentalHealth #Teachers #SchoolEducation #LifeSkills #Class6to12 #IndiaTutor

💙 Self-Esteem, Confidence & Body Image Awareness | School Presentation | Classes 6–12 – Help students build confidence, develop a positive self-image and overcome unhealthy comparisons. Free PDF for Teachers & Schools. 👉 https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/self-esteem-confidence-body-image-awareness-pdf-presentation-for-school-teachers-and-students-in-class-6-to-12-pdf/288953910 #SelfEsteem #ConfidenceBuilding #BodyImage #StudentWellbeing #MentalHealth #Teachers #SchoolEducation #LifeSkills #Class6to12 #IndiaTutor

💙 Self-Esteem, Confidence & Body Image Awareness | School Presentation | Classes 6–12 – Help students build confidence, develop a positive self-image and overcome unhealthy comparisons. Free PDF for Teachers & Schools. 👉 https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/self-esteem-confidence-body-image-awareness-pdf-presentation-for-school-teachers-and-students-in-class-6-to-12-pdf/288953910 #SelfEsteem #ConfidenceBuilding #BodyImage #StudentWellbeing #MentalHealth #Teachers #SchoolEducation #LifeSkills #Class6to12 #IndiaTutor

💙 Self-Esteem, Confidence & Body Image Awareness | School Presentation | Classes 6–12 – Help students build confidence, develop a positive self-image and overcome unhealthy comparisons. Free PDF for Teachers & Schools. 👉 https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/self-esteem-confidence-body-image-awareness-pdf-presentation-for-school-teachers-and-students-in-class-6-to-12-pdf/288953910 #SelfEsteem #ConfidenceBuilding #BodyImage #StudentWellbeing #MentalHealth #Teachers #SchoolEducation #LifeSkills #Class6to12 #IndiaTutor

https://www.europesays.com/videos/71333/ Ariana Grande to take a break from public life amid ‘endless’ scrutiny #ARIANA #ARIANAGRANDE #BODYIMAGE #entertainment #ETERNALSUNSHINE #GRANDE #Industry #london #public #SkyNews #SocialMedia #spotlight #tour #weight #WESTEND #WICKED

The one change that worked: I learned to love my arms – after decades of hating and hiding them
By Amy Annette

It took a heatwave to get me to shed my shame and my sleeves, but now there’s no stopping me. Life is cooler in every way

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/aug/03/the-one-change-that-worked-learned-to-love-my-arms-body-confidence

#Lifeandstyle #Bodyimage #Health #Healthwellbeing #Society #Fashion #TheGuardian #AmyAnnette

The one change that worked: I learned to love my arms – after decades of hating and hiding them
By Amy Annette

It took a heatwave to get me to shed my shame and my sleeves, but now there’s no stopping me. Life is cooler in every way

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/aug/03/the-one-change-that-worked-learned-to-love-my-arms-body-confidence

#Lifeandstyle #Bodyimage #Health #Healthwellbeing #Society #Fashion #TheGuardian #AmyAnnette

The one change that worked: I learned to love my arms – after decades of hating and hiding them
By Amy Annette

It took a heatwave to get me to shed my shame and my sleeves, but now there’s no stopping me. Life is cooler in every way

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/aug/03/the-one-change-that-worked-learned-to-love-my-arms-body-confidence

#Lifeandstyle #Bodyimage #Health #Healthwellbeing #Society #Fashion #TheGuardian #AmyAnnette

The brief life and sudden death of Zyzz: why did the bodybuilding influencer die at just 22?
By Jenny Valentish

Long before looksmaxxers, Aziz ‘Zyzz’ Shavershian was famous online for posting workouts and rage-bait – until he died in Thailand in 2011. A new documentary reveals what really happened

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/aug/02/the-brief-life-and-sudden-death-of-zyzz-why-did-the-bodybuilding-influencer-die-at-just-22

#Australianfilm #Film #Documentaryfilms #Culture #Bodyimage #Healthwellbeing #TheGuardian #JennyValentish

The brief life and sudden death of Zyzz: why did the bodybuilding influencer die at just 22?
By Jenny Valentish

Long before looksmaxxers, Aziz ‘Zyzz’ Shavershian was famous online for posting workouts and rage-bait – until he died in Thailand in 2011. A new documentary reveals what really happened

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/aug/02/the-brief-life-and-sudden-death-of-zyzz-why-did-the-bodybuilding-influencer-die-at-just-22

#Australianfilm #Film #Documentaryfilms #Culture #Bodyimage #Healthwellbeing #TheGuardian #JennyValentish

The brief life and sudden death of Zyzz: why did the bodybuilding influencer die at just 22?
By Jenny Valentish

Long before looksmaxxers, Aziz ‘Zyzz’ Shavershian was famous online for posting workouts and rage-bait – until he died in Thailand in 2011. A new documentary reveals what really happened

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/aug/02/the-brief-life-and-sudden-death-of-zyzz-why-did-the-bodybuilding-influencer-die-at-just-22

#Australianfilm #Film #Documentaryfilms #Culture #Bodyimage #Healthwellbeing #TheGuardian #JennyValentish

DATE: July 31, 2026 at 06:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Income inequality heightens status anxiety and self-objectification across genders

URL: https://www.psypost.org/income-inequality-heightens-status-anxiety-and-self-objectification-across-genders/

Greater income inequality and worries about social standing may encourage both women and men to base more of their personal worth on appearance, according to two experiments published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

Self-objectification refers to viewing and evaluating oneself primarily through physical appearance, almost as if observing one’s body from another person’s perspective. Previous research has linked this with body shame, appearance anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

Traditional explanations have focused largely on women being routinely judged according to their attractiveness in societies characterized by unequal gender relations. However, self-objectification is also increasingly recognized among men. The researchers proposed that wider economic conditions might provide another explanation: when differences between rich and poor become highly visible, people may become more concerned about social rank and use their appearance to demonstrate value or success.

Led by Khandis Blake of the University of Melbourne, the researchers conducted two online experiments involving a combined final sample of 1,458 people. Participants entered a fictional society called Bimboola and were shown how income was distributed among its residents. Everyone was placed in the middle-income group, but the difference between Bimboola’s richest and poorest residents varied between participants.

In the first experiment, the final sample included 468 university students (339 females, average age of 20.86 years). After viewing one of 10 different income distributions, participants selected a house, car, phone and holiday consistent with their assigned income. They then answered questions about their concerns regarding appearance, wealth, education, career, parenting and life achievements, as well as how strongly they were currently judging themselves through appearance.

Participants exposed to greater inequality reported more self-objectification. Inequality also increased anxiety about material wealth, career success, education and life achievements. Notably, however, inequality did not increase anxiety about appearance itself, suggesting that people in unequal environments self-objectify not because they are worried about how they look, but because they are worried about their socioeconomic standing. Concerns about material wealth, career success, education and life achievements each partly explained the association between inequality and self-objectification. However, because this was a statistical explanation rather than direct proof of the underlying process, the researchers conducted a second experiment.

The second experiment included 990 participants (581 females, average age of 24.84 years). In addition to experiencing different levels of inequality, participants imagined either achieving career success, becoming successful through their appearance on social media, or experiencing neither form of success.

Income inequality again increased self-objectification, but the type of success participants experienced had a considerably larger effect. Career success reduced self-objectification relative to the control condition. By contrast, appearance success increased it substantially, even though participants became more confident about their attractiveness. Interestingly, manipulating status concerns did not weaken the effect of inequality itself, suggesting that inequality and status concerns may operate as independent routes to self-objectification rather than one working strictly through the other.

Appearance success also made participants feel more successful in unrelated areas, reducing concerns about wealth and overall life achievements. This may help explain why appearance-based status seeking remains appealing: looking successful can create a wider sense of social standing. However, it also increased anxiety about education and parenting. Career success reduced concerns across more areas, including wealth, education and life achievements—although it, too, increased anxiety about parenting—making it the more broadly beneficial status pathway overall.

The findings were strikingly similar for men and women. As the researchers concluded, “Recognising that status concerns fuel and sustain self-objectification for both men and women helps explain its persistence despite weakening patriarchal norms.”

Several caveats remain. For example, Bimboola was fictional, and short-term reactions to an imagined economy may differ from living with inequality over many years.

The study, “Income inequality and status concerns in multiple life domains increase self-objectification for both women and men,” was authored by Khandis Blake, Marta Kowal, Brock Bastian, Jacob Kuek, Auguste Harrington, Sylvia Harmon-Jones and Robert C. Brooks.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/income-inequality-heightens-status-anxiety-and-self-objectification-across-genders/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #IncomeInequality #SelfObjectification #StatusAnxiety #AppearanceAndWealth #GenderEquality #SocialComparison #EconomicDisparities #CareerSuccessVsAppearance #BodyImage #MentalHealthResearch

DATE: July 31, 2026 at 06:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Income inequality heightens status anxiety and self-objectification across genders

URL: https://www.psypost.org/income-inequality-heightens-status-anxiety-and-self-objectification-across-genders/

Greater income inequality and worries about social standing may encourage both women and men to base more of their personal worth on appearance, according to two experiments published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

Self-objectification refers to viewing and evaluating oneself primarily through physical appearance, almost as if observing one’s body from another person’s perspective. Previous research has linked this with body shame, appearance anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

Traditional explanations have focused largely on women being routinely judged according to their attractiveness in societies characterized by unequal gender relations. However, self-objectification is also increasingly recognized among men. The researchers proposed that wider economic conditions might provide another explanation: when differences between rich and poor become highly visible, people may become more concerned about social rank and use their appearance to demonstrate value or success.

Led by Khandis Blake of the University of Melbourne, the researchers conducted two online experiments involving a combined final sample of 1,458 people. Participants entered a fictional society called Bimboola and were shown how income was distributed among its residents. Everyone was placed in the middle-income group, but the difference between Bimboola’s richest and poorest residents varied between participants.

In the first experiment, the final sample included 468 university students (339 females, average age of 20.86 years). After viewing one of 10 different income distributions, participants selected a house, car, phone and holiday consistent with their assigned income. They then answered questions about their concerns regarding appearance, wealth, education, career, parenting and life achievements, as well as how strongly they were currently judging themselves through appearance.

Participants exposed to greater inequality reported more self-objectification. Inequality also increased anxiety about material wealth, career success, education and life achievements. Notably, however, inequality did not increase anxiety about appearance itself, suggesting that people in unequal environments self-objectify not because they are worried about how they look, but because they are worried about their socioeconomic standing. Concerns about material wealth, career success, education and life achievements each partly explained the association between inequality and self-objectification. However, because this was a statistical explanation rather than direct proof of the underlying process, the researchers conducted a second experiment.

The second experiment included 990 participants (581 females, average age of 24.84 years). In addition to experiencing different levels of inequality, participants imagined either achieving career success, becoming successful through their appearance on social media, or experiencing neither form of success.

Income inequality again increased self-objectification, but the type of success participants experienced had a considerably larger effect. Career success reduced self-objectification relative to the control condition. By contrast, appearance success increased it substantially, even though participants became more confident about their attractiveness. Interestingly, manipulating status concerns did not weaken the effect of inequality itself, suggesting that inequality and status concerns may operate as independent routes to self-objectification rather than one working strictly through the other.

Appearance success also made participants feel more successful in unrelated areas, reducing concerns about wealth and overall life achievements. This may help explain why appearance-based status seeking remains appealing: looking successful can create a wider sense of social standing. However, it also increased anxiety about education and parenting. Career success reduced concerns across more areas, including wealth, education and life achievements—although it, too, increased anxiety about parenting—making it the more broadly beneficial status pathway overall.

The findings were strikingly similar for men and women. As the researchers concluded, “Recognising that status concerns fuel and sustain self-objectification for both men and women helps explain its persistence despite weakening patriarchal norms.”

Several caveats remain. For example, Bimboola was fictional, and short-term reactions to an imagined economy may differ from living with inequality over many years.

The study, “Income inequality and status concerns in multiple life domains increase self-objectification for both women and men,” was authored by Khandis Blake, Marta Kowal, Brock Bastian, Jacob Kuek, Auguste Harrington, Sylvia Harmon-Jones and Robert C. Brooks.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/income-inequality-heightens-status-anxiety-and-self-objectification-across-genders/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #IncomeInequality #SelfObjectification #StatusAnxiety #AppearanceAndWealth #GenderEquality #SocialComparison #EconomicDisparities #CareerSuccessVsAppearance #BodyImage #MentalHealthResearch

DATE: July 31, 2026 at 06:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Income inequality heightens status anxiety and self-objectification across genders

URL: https://www.psypost.org/income-inequality-heightens-status-anxiety-and-self-objectification-across-genders/

Greater income inequality and worries about social standing may encourage both women and men to base more of their personal worth on appearance, according to two experiments published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

Self-objectification refers to viewing and evaluating oneself primarily through physical appearance, almost as if observing one’s body from another person’s perspective. Previous research has linked this with body shame, appearance anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

Traditional explanations have focused largely on women being routinely judged according to their attractiveness in societies characterized by unequal gender relations. However, self-objectification is also increasingly recognized among men. The researchers proposed that wider economic conditions might provide another explanation: when differences between rich and poor become highly visible, people may become more concerned about social rank and use their appearance to demonstrate value or success.

Led by Khandis Blake of the University of Melbourne, the researchers conducted two online experiments involving a combined final sample of 1,458 people. Participants entered a fictional society called Bimboola and were shown how income was distributed among its residents. Everyone was placed in the middle-income group, but the difference between Bimboola’s richest and poorest residents varied between participants.

In the first experiment, the final sample included 468 university students (339 females, average age of 20.86 years). After viewing one of 10 different income distributions, participants selected a house, car, phone and holiday consistent with their assigned income. They then answered questions about their concerns regarding appearance, wealth, education, career, parenting and life achievements, as well as how strongly they were currently judging themselves through appearance.

Participants exposed to greater inequality reported more self-objectification. Inequality also increased anxiety about material wealth, career success, education and life achievements. Notably, however, inequality did not increase anxiety about appearance itself, suggesting that people in unequal environments self-objectify not because they are worried about how they look, but because they are worried about their socioeconomic standing. Concerns about material wealth, career success, education and life achievements each partly explained the association between inequality and self-objectification. However, because this was a statistical explanation rather than direct proof of the underlying process, the researchers conducted a second experiment.

The second experiment included 990 participants (581 females, average age of 24.84 years). In addition to experiencing different levels of inequality, participants imagined either achieving career success, becoming successful through their appearance on social media, or experiencing neither form of success.

Income inequality again increased self-objectification, but the type of success participants experienced had a considerably larger effect. Career success reduced self-objectification relative to the control condition. By contrast, appearance success increased it substantially, even though participants became more confident about their attractiveness. Interestingly, manipulating status concerns did not weaken the effect of inequality itself, suggesting that inequality and status concerns may operate as independent routes to self-objectification rather than one working strictly through the other.

Appearance success also made participants feel more successful in unrelated areas, reducing concerns about wealth and overall life achievements. This may help explain why appearance-based status seeking remains appealing: looking successful can create a wider sense of social standing. However, it also increased anxiety about education and parenting. Career success reduced concerns across more areas, including wealth, education and life achievements—although it, too, increased anxiety about parenting—making it the more broadly beneficial status pathway overall.

The findings were strikingly similar for men and women. As the researchers concluded, “Recognising that status concerns fuel and sustain self-objectification for both men and women helps explain its persistence despite weakening patriarchal norms.”

Several caveats remain. For example, Bimboola was fictional, and short-term reactions to an imagined economy may differ from living with inequality over many years.

The study, “Income inequality and status concerns in multiple life domains increase self-objectification for both women and men,” was authored by Khandis Blake, Marta Kowal, Brock Bastian, Jacob Kuek, Auguste Harrington, Sylvia Harmon-Jones and Robert C. Brooks.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/income-inequality-heightens-status-anxiety-and-self-objectification-across-genders/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #IncomeInequality #SelfObjectification #StatusAnxiety #AppearanceAndWealth #GenderEquality #SocialComparison #EconomicDisparities #CareerSuccessVsAppearance #BodyImage #MentalHealthResearch

Self-Esteem, Confidence & Body Image Awareness Educational Video for School Students in Classes 6–12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0DvCyrjL7U #SelfEsteem #Confidence #BodyImage #MentalHealth #LifeSkills #SchoolStudents #StudentWellbeing #PositiveThinking #EmotionalWellbeing #BullyingAwareness #AdolescentHealth #TeenMentalHealth #SchoolCounselling #ValueEducation #Classes6to12

Self-Esteem, Confidence & Body Image Awareness Educational Video for School Students in Classes 6–12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0DvCyrjL7U #SelfEsteem #Confidence #BodyImage #MentalHealth #LifeSkills #SchoolStudents #StudentWellbeing #PositiveThinking #EmotionalWellbeing #BullyingAwareness #AdolescentHealth #TeenMentalHealth #SchoolCounselling #ValueEducation #Classes6to12

Self-Esteem, Confidence & Body Image Awareness Educational Video for School Students in Classes 6–12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0DvCyrjL7U #SelfEsteem #Confidence #BodyImage #MentalHealth #LifeSkills #SchoolStudents #StudentWellbeing #PositiveThinking #EmotionalWellbeing #BullyingAwareness #AdolescentHealth #TeenMentalHealth #SchoolCounselling #ValueEducation #Classes6to12

Self-Esteem, Confidence & Body Image Awareness Educational Video for School Students in Classes 6–12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0DvCyrjL7U #SelfEsteem #Confidence #BodyImage #MentalHealth #LifeSkills #SchoolStudents #StudentWellbeing #PositiveThinking #EmotionalWellbeing #BullyingAwareness #AdolescentHealth #TeenMentalHealth #SchoolCounselling #ValueEducation #Classes6to12

Self-Esteem, Confidence & Body Image Awareness Educational Video for School Students in Classes 6–12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0DvCyrjL7U #SelfEsteem #Confidence #BodyImage #MentalHealth #LifeSkills #SchoolStudents #StudentWellbeing #PositiveThinking #EmotionalWellbeing #BullyingAwareness #AdolescentHealth #TeenMentalHealth #SchoolCounselling #ValueEducation #Classes6to12

https://www.europesays.com/uk/1121010/ I jumped at the chance to try the Wegovy pill instead of fat jabs #BodyImage #DietAndWeightLoss #Health #Lifestyle #Medication #RealLife #UK #UnitedKingdom

I jumped at the chance to try the Wegovy pill instead of fat jabs

When the Wegovy pills were launched in the U.S., there was no doubt in Rachael’s mind that this…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Medication #BodyImage #DietandWeightLoss #Health #Lifestyle #RealLife
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/793338/

I jumped at the chance to try the Wegovy pill instead of fat jabs

When the Wegovy pills were launched in the U.S., there was no doubt in Rachael’s mind that this…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Medication #BodyImage #DietandWeightLoss #Health #Lifestyle #RealLife
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/793338/

I jumped at the chance to try the Wegovy pill instead of fat jabs

When the Wegovy pills were launched in the U.S., there was no doubt in Rachael’s mind that this…
#NewsBeep #News #Medication #BodyImage #DietandWeightLoss #Health #Lifestyle #RealLife #UK #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/719069/

https://www.europesays.com/ie/611515/ I jumped at the chance to try the Wegovy pill instead of fat jabs #BodyImage #DietAndWeightLoss #Éire #Health #IE #Ireland #lifestyle #Medication #RealLife

https://www.europesays.com/uk/1119567/ Loving your body in a world where weight stigma helps sell GLP-1 drugs #BodyImage #Drugs #GLP1 #Health #Medication #MentalHealth #Obesity #Ozempic #SelfEsteem #UK #UnitedKingdom #WeightBias #WeightLoss #WeightStigma

https://www.europesays.com/ie/611181/ Loving your body in a world where weight stigma helps sell GLP-1 drugs #BodyImage #Drugs #Éire #GLP1 #Health #IE #Ireland #Medication #MentalHealth #Obesity #ozempic #SelfEsteem #WeightBias #WeightLoss #WeightStigma

I would never have taken weight-loss jabs – but this is why I jumped at the chance to try the Wegovy pill

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://metro.co.uk/2026/07/30/jumped-chance-try-wegovy-pill-instead-fat-jabs-29244967/

Why are appearance compliments so hard to believe? The answer lies in body image, personal history, and the beauty standards we've learned to trust. #wellness #bodyimage #beauty

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/eating-disorder-recovery/202607/who-gets-to-define-beauty?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into FLIPBOARD EXCHANGE FEED 🗞️ @flipboard-exchange-feed-Econopass

Why are appearance compliments so hard to believe? The answer lies in body image, personal history, and the beauty standards we've learned to trust. #wellness #bodyimage #beauty

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/eating-disorder-recovery/202607/who-gets-to-define-beauty?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into FLIPBOARD EXCHANGE FEED 🗞️ @flipboard-exchange-feed-Econopass

Study: 20% of Israeli women who undergo cosmetic procedures show addiction risk

Experts have found that addictions are common and increasing – not only to alcohol and tobacco, but also…
#Israel #News #addiction #bodyimage #cosmetics #HebrewUniversityofJerusalem #israeliwomen #jerusalem #mentalhealth #plasticsurgery #psychology #self-esteem
https://www.europesays.com/3152805/

‘Bulking’, or gaining weight on purpose to get stronger, challenged everything I was once taught to do with my body I had been casually lifting weights for a few years when several things changed in… #wellness #bodyimage #strength

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jul/24/bulking-body-image-weight?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into FLIPBOARD EXCHANGE FEED 🗞️ @flipboard-exchange-feed-Econopass

‘Bulking’, or gaining weight on purpose to get stronger, challenged everything I was once taught to do with my body I had been casually lifting weights for a few years when several things changed in… #wellness #bodyimage #strength

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jul/24/bulking-body-image-weight?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into FLIPBOARD EXCHANGE FEED 🗞️ @flipboard-exchange-feed-Econopass

‘I Weighed 100 Kg’: Sameera Reddy Opens Up About Postpartum Depression And Menopause

Sameera Reddy stepped away from films for a while to take care of her family and raise her…
#NewsBeep #News #Mentalhealth #BodyImage #celebritymotherhood #colourism #Health #menopauseawareness #MentalHealth #PostpartumDepression #SameeraReddy #SocialMediaTrolling #UK #UnitedKingdom #womenhealthissues
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/697097/

https://www.europesays.com/uk/1095154/ ‘I Weighed 100 Kg’: Sameera Reddy Opens Up About Postpartum Depression And Menopause #BodyImage #CelebrityMotherhood #colourism #Health #MenopauseAwareness #MentalHealth #PostpartumDepression #SameeraReddy #SocialMediaTrolling #UK #UnitedKingdom #WomenHealthIssues

If body shame has been stealing your peace, learn practical ways to quiet your body bully, embrace body neutrality, and reconnect with your values and inherent worth. #wellness #bodyimage #selfesteem

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/creating-soulful-connections/202607/the-2-biggest-mistakes-that-keep-body-shame-alive?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into FLIPBOARD EXCHANGE FEED 🗞️ @flipboard-exchange-feed-Econopass

DATE: July 15, 2026 at 08:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Researchers identify risk factors for addictive use of cosmetic procedures

URL: https://www.psypost.org/researchers-identify-risk-factors-for-addictive-use-of-cosmetic-procedures/

A recent study published in the Journal of Health Psychology suggests that repeated engagement in cosmetic procedures can take on addiction-like qualities for a notable portion of women. The findings provide evidence that low body esteem and problematic social media habits are strongly linked to this compulsive behavior. These insights help explain how digital environments and personal insecurities might interact to encourage repetitive aesthetic treatments.

The research team included Vera Skvirsky, Uri Lifshin, Dvora Shmulewitz, and Mario Mikulincer from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health. They sought to understand the psychological mechanisms associated with repeated cosmetic interventions.

Cosmetic procedures are elective interventions meant to alter a person’s physical appearance. These include surgical operations like liposuction as well as non-surgical treatments like Botox injections. Between 2019 and 2023, the global use of these procedures increased by about forty percent.

With this rapid growth, mental health professionals have started to notice patterns of behavior that resemble addiction. Addiction is typically defined as a compulsive drive to engage in a rewarding behavior despite experiencing negative consequences. Behavioral addictions share many psychological mechanisms with traditional substance abuse, including cravings, habitual actions, and a loss of self-control.

The authors wanted to assess how prevalent this addictive cosmetic behavior might be in a general population. They also aimed to identify specific personality and behavioral factors that might put individuals at a higher risk. They focused particularly on the potential impacts of problematic social media use and body esteem, which is a person’s overall satisfaction with their own physical appearance.

Social media platforms rely heavily on visual content and interactive features like comments and likes. Previous research tends to show that heavy use of these platforms can negatively influence how people view their bodies. The researchers hypothesized that this combination of digital pressure and physical dissatisfaction might make some individuals more vulnerable to pursuing repeated aesthetic treatments.

To explore these relationships, the scientists recruited a sample of 1,614 Jewish women in Israel. The participants ranged in age from 25 to 71 years old. The sample was specifically constructed to match the broader adult female Jewish population in Israel in terms of age and religious observance.

The data was collected through an online survey platform in February 2025. Participants answered a variety of questions regarding their demographic background, their religious affiliation, and their history of cosmetic procedures. Out of the total sample, 710 women reported having undergone at least one cosmetic procedure in the past.

The researchers used an adapted psychological assessment originally designed to diagnose substance-use disorders to measure addictive cosmetic behaviors. This questionnaire asked participants if they had ever tried to stop having procedures but failed, or if they felt a compulsive need to continue despite negative physical or psychological effects. The women who had previous procedures answered these questions based on their lifetime experiences as well as their experiences over the past year.

All participants also completed a battery of psychological questionnaires. These tools measured global self-esteem, which is a person’s overall sense of self-worth. They also measured attachment security, a psychological concept describing how confident a person feels about receiving support from loved ones during times of need.

Other surveys assessed attitudes toward aging and feminist beliefs, specifically measuring the rejection of traditional, passive gender roles. Finally, the authors used a recognized assessment tool to gauge problematic social media behavior over the past twelve months. This tool measures habits such as feeling a constant urge to log on or experiencing distress when disconnected.

The data analysis revealed that addiction-like behavior related to cosmetic treatments is relatively common. Among the 710 women who had previously undergone cosmetic procedures, 20 percent met the threshold for a moderate to severe risk of addictive use over their lifetime. Additionally, 15.4 percent reported experiencing these moderate to severe symptoms within the past year alone.

When looking at the entire sample of 1,614 women, nearly nine percent showed signs of moderate to severe risk during their lifetime. About seven percent exhibited these signs in the past year. Interestingly, the researchers found no significant differences in these risk levels across different age groups or education levels.

Religious affiliation did show a statistical connection to the results within the full sample. Women who identified as traditional reported higher risk scores for addictive behavior than those who identified as secular. Both of these groups scored higher than women who identified as religious or ultra-orthodox.

The statistical models highlighted three specific variables that had unique associations with addictive cosmetic behaviors. Lower body esteem, higher levels of problematic social media use, and weaker feminist attitudes were all linked to higher addiction risk scores. Global self-esteem, attachment security, and negative views on aging did not show unique statistical associations when all factors were analyzed together.

The scientists also found a notable interaction between social media habits and body image. For women who reported high levels of problematic social media use, having low body esteem was strongly associated with a higher risk for addictive cosmetic behaviors. This association did not exist among women who used social media less obsessively, suggesting that digital habits might amplify the negative effects of poor body image.

Readers should note that this study relies on cross-sectional data, meaning all information was collected at a single point in time. This design makes it impossible to prove cause and effect. It remains unknown if problematic social media use directly causes an increase in addictive cosmetic behaviors, or if an underlying psychological issue drives both habits simultaneously.

Another limitation is the study’s reliance on a specific demographic group. The sample only included Jewish Israeli women who were active on an online survey panel. These participants might have higher average internet usage than the general population, which could potentially inflate the observed links between digital habits and cosmetic procedures.

The researchers relied entirely on self-reported questionnaires to gauge addiction levels. These self-assessments can sometimes be influenced by personal biases or memory errors. Future studies might incorporate more objective measurements, such as tracking actual financial expenditures on procedures or conducting formal clinical interviews to assess psychological distress.

Future research should also expand to include men, transgender individuals, and non-binary individuals to see if these patterns hold across different gender identities. Exploring specific psychiatric conditions, such as body dysmorphic disorder, would also provide a deeper understanding of the mental health factors at play. Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance that are often unnoticeable to others.

Investigating the specific types of cosmetic treatments might yield more detailed insights. The current study did not distinguish between major invasive surgeries and minor non-invasive treatments. Distinguishing between a single surgical procedure and repeated minor treatments might help clarify the exact nature of this emerging behavioral addiction.

The study, “Prevalence of addictive use of cosmetic procedures and risk factors among Israeli women,” was authored by Vera Skvirsky, Uri Lifshin, Dvora Shmulewitz, and Mario Mikulincer.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/researchers-identify-risk-factors-for-addictive-use-of-cosmetic-procedures/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #CosmeticProceduresAddiction #BodyEsteem #SocialMediaEffects #DigitalPressure # cosmeticprocedures #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfEsteemMatters #WomenHealth #BodyImage #AddictionRiskFactors

DATE: July 15, 2026 at 08:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Researchers identify risk factors for addictive use of cosmetic procedures

URL: https://www.psypost.org/researchers-identify-risk-factors-for-addictive-use-of-cosmetic-procedures/

A recent study published in the Journal of Health Psychology suggests that repeated engagement in cosmetic procedures can take on addiction-like qualities for a notable portion of women. The findings provide evidence that low body esteem and problematic social media habits are strongly linked to this compulsive behavior. These insights help explain how digital environments and personal insecurities might interact to encourage repetitive aesthetic treatments.

The research team included Vera Skvirsky, Uri Lifshin, Dvora Shmulewitz, and Mario Mikulincer from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health. They sought to understand the psychological mechanisms associated with repeated cosmetic interventions.

Cosmetic procedures are elective interventions meant to alter a person’s physical appearance. These include surgical operations like liposuction as well as non-surgical treatments like Botox injections. Between 2019 and 2023, the global use of these procedures increased by about forty percent.

With this rapid growth, mental health professionals have started to notice patterns of behavior that resemble addiction. Addiction is typically defined as a compulsive drive to engage in a rewarding behavior despite experiencing negative consequences. Behavioral addictions share many psychological mechanisms with traditional substance abuse, including cravings, habitual actions, and a loss of self-control.

The authors wanted to assess how prevalent this addictive cosmetic behavior might be in a general population. They also aimed to identify specific personality and behavioral factors that might put individuals at a higher risk. They focused particularly on the potential impacts of problematic social media use and body esteem, which is a person’s overall satisfaction with their own physical appearance.

Social media platforms rely heavily on visual content and interactive features like comments and likes. Previous research tends to show that heavy use of these platforms can negatively influence how people view their bodies. The researchers hypothesized that this combination of digital pressure and physical dissatisfaction might make some individuals more vulnerable to pursuing repeated aesthetic treatments.

To explore these relationships, the scientists recruited a sample of 1,614 Jewish women in Israel. The participants ranged in age from 25 to 71 years old. The sample was specifically constructed to match the broader adult female Jewish population in Israel in terms of age and religious observance.

The data was collected through an online survey platform in February 2025. Participants answered a variety of questions regarding their demographic background, their religious affiliation, and their history of cosmetic procedures. Out of the total sample, 710 women reported having undergone at least one cosmetic procedure in the past.

The researchers used an adapted psychological assessment originally designed to diagnose substance-use disorders to measure addictive cosmetic behaviors. This questionnaire asked participants if they had ever tried to stop having procedures but failed, or if they felt a compulsive need to continue despite negative physical or psychological effects. The women who had previous procedures answered these questions based on their lifetime experiences as well as their experiences over the past year.

All participants also completed a battery of psychological questionnaires. These tools measured global self-esteem, which is a person’s overall sense of self-worth. They also measured attachment security, a psychological concept describing how confident a person feels about receiving support from loved ones during times of need.

Other surveys assessed attitudes toward aging and feminist beliefs, specifically measuring the rejection of traditional, passive gender roles. Finally, the authors used a recognized assessment tool to gauge problematic social media behavior over the past twelve months. This tool measures habits such as feeling a constant urge to log on or experiencing distress when disconnected.

The data analysis revealed that addiction-like behavior related to cosmetic treatments is relatively common. Among the 710 women who had previously undergone cosmetic procedures, 20 percent met the threshold for a moderate to severe risk of addictive use over their lifetime. Additionally, 15.4 percent reported experiencing these moderate to severe symptoms within the past year alone.

When looking at the entire sample of 1,614 women, nearly nine percent showed signs of moderate to severe risk during their lifetime. About seven percent exhibited these signs in the past year. Interestingly, the researchers found no significant differences in these risk levels across different age groups or education levels.

Religious affiliation did show a statistical connection to the results within the full sample. Women who identified as traditional reported higher risk scores for addictive behavior than those who identified as secular. Both of these groups scored higher than women who identified as religious or ultra-orthodox.

The statistical models highlighted three specific variables that had unique associations with addictive cosmetic behaviors. Lower body esteem, higher levels of problematic social media use, and weaker feminist attitudes were all linked to higher addiction risk scores. Global self-esteem, attachment security, and negative views on aging did not show unique statistical associations when all factors were analyzed together.

The scientists also found a notable interaction between social media habits and body image. For women who reported high levels of problematic social media use, having low body esteem was strongly associated with a higher risk for addictive cosmetic behaviors. This association did not exist among women who used social media less obsessively, suggesting that digital habits might amplify the negative effects of poor body image.

Readers should note that this study relies on cross-sectional data, meaning all information was collected at a single point in time. This design makes it impossible to prove cause and effect. It remains unknown if problematic social media use directly causes an increase in addictive cosmetic behaviors, or if an underlying psychological issue drives both habits simultaneously.

Another limitation is the study’s reliance on a specific demographic group. The sample only included Jewish Israeli women who were active on an online survey panel. These participants might have higher average internet usage than the general population, which could potentially inflate the observed links between digital habits and cosmetic procedures.

The researchers relied entirely on self-reported questionnaires to gauge addiction levels. These self-assessments can sometimes be influenced by personal biases or memory errors. Future studies might incorporate more objective measurements, such as tracking actual financial expenditures on procedures or conducting formal clinical interviews to assess psychological distress.

Future research should also expand to include men, transgender individuals, and non-binary individuals to see if these patterns hold across different gender identities. Exploring specific psychiatric conditions, such as body dysmorphic disorder, would also provide a deeper understanding of the mental health factors at play. Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance that are often unnoticeable to others.

Investigating the specific types of cosmetic treatments might yield more detailed insights. The current study did not distinguish between major invasive surgeries and minor non-invasive treatments. Distinguishing between a single surgical procedure and repeated minor treatments might help clarify the exact nature of this emerging behavioral addiction.

The study, “Prevalence of addictive use of cosmetic procedures and risk factors among Israeli women,” was authored by Vera Skvirsky, Uri Lifshin, Dvora Shmulewitz, and Mario Mikulincer.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/researchers-identify-risk-factors-for-addictive-use-of-cosmetic-procedures/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #CosmeticProceduresAddiction #BodyEsteem #SocialMediaEffects #DigitalPressure # cosmeticprocedures #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfEsteemMatters #WomenHealth #BodyImage #AddictionRiskFactors

DATE: July 15, 2026 at 08:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Researchers identify risk factors for addictive use of cosmetic procedures

URL: https://www.psypost.org/researchers-identify-risk-factors-for-addictive-use-of-cosmetic-procedures/

A recent study published in the Journal of Health Psychology suggests that repeated engagement in cosmetic procedures can take on addiction-like qualities for a notable portion of women. The findings provide evidence that low body esteem and problematic social media habits are strongly linked to this compulsive behavior. These insights help explain how digital environments and personal insecurities might interact to encourage repetitive aesthetic treatments.

The research team included Vera Skvirsky, Uri Lifshin, Dvora Shmulewitz, and Mario Mikulincer from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health. They sought to understand the psychological mechanisms associated with repeated cosmetic interventions.

Cosmetic procedures are elective interventions meant to alter a person’s physical appearance. These include surgical operations like liposuction as well as non-surgical treatments like Botox injections. Between 2019 and 2023, the global use of these procedures increased by about forty percent.

With this rapid growth, mental health professionals have started to notice patterns of behavior that resemble addiction. Addiction is typically defined as a compulsive drive to engage in a rewarding behavior despite experiencing negative consequences. Behavioral addictions share many psychological mechanisms with traditional substance abuse, including cravings, habitual actions, and a loss of self-control.

The authors wanted to assess how prevalent this addictive cosmetic behavior might be in a general population. They also aimed to identify specific personality and behavioral factors that might put individuals at a higher risk. They focused particularly on the potential impacts of problematic social media use and body esteem, which is a person’s overall satisfaction with their own physical appearance.

Social media platforms rely heavily on visual content and interactive features like comments and likes. Previous research tends to show that heavy use of these platforms can negatively influence how people view their bodies. The researchers hypothesized that this combination of digital pressure and physical dissatisfaction might make some individuals more vulnerable to pursuing repeated aesthetic treatments.

To explore these relationships, the scientists recruited a sample of 1,614 Jewish women in Israel. The participants ranged in age from 25 to 71 years old. The sample was specifically constructed to match the broader adult female Jewish population in Israel in terms of age and religious observance.

The data was collected through an online survey platform in February 2025. Participants answered a variety of questions regarding their demographic background, their religious affiliation, and their history of cosmetic procedures. Out of the total sample, 710 women reported having undergone at least one cosmetic procedure in the past.

The researchers used an adapted psychological assessment originally designed to diagnose substance-use disorders to measure addictive cosmetic behaviors. This questionnaire asked participants if they had ever tried to stop having procedures but failed, or if they felt a compulsive need to continue despite negative physical or psychological effects. The women who had previous procedures answered these questions based on their lifetime experiences as well as their experiences over the past year.

All participants also completed a battery of psychological questionnaires. These tools measured global self-esteem, which is a person’s overall sense of self-worth. They also measured attachment security, a psychological concept describing how confident a person feels about receiving support from loved ones during times of need.

Other surveys assessed attitudes toward aging and feminist beliefs, specifically measuring the rejection of traditional, passive gender roles. Finally, the authors used a recognized assessment tool to gauge problematic social media behavior over the past twelve months. This tool measures habits such as feeling a constant urge to log on or experiencing distress when disconnected.

The data analysis revealed that addiction-like behavior related to cosmetic treatments is relatively common. Among the 710 women who had previously undergone cosmetic procedures, 20 percent met the threshold for a moderate to severe risk of addictive use over their lifetime. Additionally, 15.4 percent reported experiencing these moderate to severe symptoms within the past year alone.

When looking at the entire sample of 1,614 women, nearly nine percent showed signs of moderate to severe risk during their lifetime. About seven percent exhibited these signs in the past year. Interestingly, the researchers found no significant differences in these risk levels across different age groups or education levels.

Religious affiliation did show a statistical connection to the results within the full sample. Women who identified as traditional reported higher risk scores for addictive behavior than those who identified as secular. Both of these groups scored higher than women who identified as religious or ultra-orthodox.

The statistical models highlighted three specific variables that had unique associations with addictive cosmetic behaviors. Lower body esteem, higher levels of problematic social media use, and weaker feminist attitudes were all linked to higher addiction risk scores. Global self-esteem, attachment security, and negative views on aging did not show unique statistical associations when all factors were analyzed together.

The scientists also found a notable interaction between social media habits and body image. For women who reported high levels of problematic social media use, having low body esteem was strongly associated with a higher risk for addictive cosmetic behaviors. This association did not exist among women who used social media less obsessively, suggesting that digital habits might amplify the negative effects of poor body image.

Readers should note that this study relies on cross-sectional data, meaning all information was collected at a single point in time. This design makes it impossible to prove cause and effect. It remains unknown if problematic social media use directly causes an increase in addictive cosmetic behaviors, or if an underlying psychological issue drives both habits simultaneously.

Another limitation is the study’s reliance on a specific demographic group. The sample only included Jewish Israeli women who were active on an online survey panel. These participants might have higher average internet usage than the general population, which could potentially inflate the observed links between digital habits and cosmetic procedures.

The researchers relied entirely on self-reported questionnaires to gauge addiction levels. These self-assessments can sometimes be influenced by personal biases or memory errors. Future studies might incorporate more objective measurements, such as tracking actual financial expenditures on procedures or conducting formal clinical interviews to assess psychological distress.

Future research should also expand to include men, transgender individuals, and non-binary individuals to see if these patterns hold across different gender identities. Exploring specific psychiatric conditions, such as body dysmorphic disorder, would also provide a deeper understanding of the mental health factors at play. Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance that are often unnoticeable to others.

Investigating the specific types of cosmetic treatments might yield more detailed insights. The current study did not distinguish between major invasive surgeries and minor non-invasive treatments. Distinguishing between a single surgical procedure and repeated minor treatments might help clarify the exact nature of this emerging behavioral addiction.

The study, “Prevalence of addictive use of cosmetic procedures and risk factors among Israeli women,” was authored by Vera Skvirsky, Uri Lifshin, Dvora Shmulewitz, and Mario Mikulincer.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/researchers-identify-risk-factors-for-addictive-use-of-cosmetic-procedures/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #CosmeticProceduresAddiction #BodyEsteem #SocialMediaEffects #DigitalPressure # cosmeticprocedures #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfEsteemMatters #WomenHealth #BodyImage #AddictionRiskFactors