Structural equation modeling in explaining the relationship between personality traits and perceived stress with body image concern in cosmetic surgery applicants

Background and Aim: Cosmetic surgery is one of the last achievements of human being for creation of beauty. The purpose of this study was to explain the relationship between personality traits and perceived stress with body image. Methods: This is a correlation type study relying on structural equation modeling. A total of 350 applicants for cosmetic surgery who referred to surgical centers in northern Tehran in 2017 were voluntarily selected by convenient and purposive sampling method. They filled the demographic, perceived stress by Cohen et al (1983), the personality by NEO, body image concern by Littelton questionnaires .Data analysis was done at descriptive and inferential levels using version 24 of SPSS, AMOS and with normality tests, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling. Results: The results showed that there is a significant relationship between personality traits and body image concern. There were significant relationships between perceived stress and body image concern, and also between personality traits and perceived stress. Also, the structural model of the body image concern based on personality traits and perceived stress had a favorable fit. Conclusion: It is necessary to use standardized scales to understand and evaluate psychological pre- cosmetic surgery, and this screening can reduce the number of unnecessary cosmetic surgeries and increase the satisfaction of surgical outcomes.