Vol. 28 No. 3 (2024), Articles
Vol. 28 No. 3 (2024)

Gender Differences in Body Image Insecurities And Cosmetic Interventions

Articles
Published 2024-09-30
Mădălina Gabriela MATEI
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, “George Emil Palade”, Târgu Mureș, Romania
Andreea SĂLCUDEAN
Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade”, Târgu Mureș, Romania
Cristina Raluca BODO
Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade”, Târgu Mureș, Romania
Dora CÂMPIAN
Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade”, Târgu Mureș, Romania
Elena Gabriela STRETE
Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade”, Târgu Mureș, Romania
Ramona Amina POPOVICI
Department 1, Management and Communication in Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babeș”, Timișoara, Romania
Dana Emanuela PITIC
Department 1, Management and Communication in Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babeș”, Timișoara, Romania
Ramona Camelia ANCULIA
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babeș” Timișoara, Faculty of Medicine, Department V, Internal Medicine, Occupational Health
Andreea Mihaela KIȘ
Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babeș”, Timișoara, Romania
Laura Diana POPOVICI
Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babeș”, Timișoara, Romania
Daniela Georgeta POPOVICI
National Institute of Health Services Management, Bucharest, Romania
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PDF (RO) (Romanian)

Keywords

Body dysmorphic disorder
imperfections
gender differences
aesthetic procedures

Abstract

CONTEXT: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition
characterized by excessive concern about perceived physical flaws. This study
examines gender differences in the symptoms of the disorder, psychological
distress, and attitudes toward cosmetic interventions.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 370
Romanian respondents through an anonymous online questionnaire. The
collected data included awareness of BDD, body image concerns, and
consideration of cosmetic enhancements.
RESULTS: Women showed greater awareness of BDD (71% compared to
49%) and higher levels of emotional distress (39% compared to 28%). Their main
concerns were related to weight, skin, and body proportions, while men focused
on muscle definition, weight, and height. More women (48%) considered cosmetic
interventions compared to men (20%).
CONCLUSION: Gender differences in BDD are influenced by social beauty
standards. Addressing these disparities through public health initiatives can
improve body image perception and mental well-being.

PDF (EN)
PDF (RO) (Romanian)