Implications of Diverse Peer Interactions for Body Image and Cosmetic Surgery Acceptance Among College Students

• In Event: 14.046 - Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: 14.046-5 - College Student Adjustment: Health, Well-Being, and Achievement Outcomes

Abstract

The implications that racially and/or culturally diverse peer interactions have on college students’ body image satisfaction and acceptance of cosmetic surgery have not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which diverse peer interactions occur among college students, and if and how these interactions influence college students’ body image satisfaction and views on cosmetic surgery. Participants were recruited from nine public, non-religious affiliated universities in the American Southeast, and asked to complete an online questionnaire. The results revealed that African-American students were the least likely of all racial groups to engage in diverse peer interactions. In regard to body image satisfaction and cosmetic surgery acceptance, no significant differences were found between study participants.

Author

• Shamekia Woods, University of Southern Mississippi