Celebrity worship and incidence of elective cosmetic surgery: evidence of a link among young adults.

MALTBY, J and DAY, Liza (2011). Celebrity worship and incidence of elective cosmetic surgery: evidence of a link among young adults. Journal of Adolescent Health, 49 (5), 483-489.

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to explore among young adults whether celebrity worship predicted the incidence of elective cosmetic surgery within the period of 8 months after controlling for several known predictors of elective cosmetic surgery. Methods: A total of 137 young adults completed questionnaire measures of attitudes toward a celebrity whose body image they admired, previous and vicarious experience of elective cosmetic surgery, attitudes toward cosmetic surgery, and a range of psychological and demographic measures at time 1. Participants were then asked to report whether they had undergone elective cosmetic surgery 8 months later. Results: After controlling for several known predictors of elective cosmetic surgery, intense-personal celebrity worship of a celebrity whose body shape was admired by the participant predicted the incidence of elective cosmetic surgery within an 8-month period. Conclusions: The current findings suggest that the type of para-social relationship that young adults form with celebrities, particularly with those whose body shape is admired, may need to be considered by those when speaking to, and educating, young people about their choices around elective cosmetic surgery.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Psychology Research Group
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.12.014
Page Range:	483-489
Depositing User:	Liza Day
Date Deposited:	19 Sep 2012 14:04
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 18:04
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/6042

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