Value systems and locus of control of people undergoing aesthetic surgery and their application in the work environment: a case study in Cyprus.

With the growth in elective aesthetic plastic surgery in recent years researchers are becoming increasingly interested in the psychological aspects of the procedure. The aim of this research in Cyprus was to describe the value systems and the locus of control of employees who have undergone aesthetic plastic surgery. A questionnaire comprising the Schwartz human value scale, the Rotter scale for locus of control and questions about the reason for surgery was completed by 75 employees in a range of occupations. The values rated as very/supremely important by > 80% of respondents were: preserving public image (power domain), being capable (achievement), pleasure and self-indulgence (hedonism), freedom and independence (self-direction) and being honest, helpful and responsible (benevolence). They also scored highly on politeness and honouring parents and elders (conformity domain) and family security and being clean (security). A small majority (54.7%) was classified as internal or extreme internal locus of control.