Document Type : Original Article
Researcher
Allameh Tabataba'i University
Ministerial Ethics Committee
The study titled “Prediction of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms based on Insecure Attachment Styles and Excessive Social Media Use with the Mediating Role of Body Esteem in Young Women Seeking Cosmetic Procedures” examines the relationships among four key variables: attachment styles, excessive social media use, body esteem, and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) symptoms.
Considering the rising rates of cosmetic surgeries and appearance-related concerns in Iran, this research aims to propose a conceptual model explaining how insecure attachment styles (anxious and avoidant) and excessive social media use contribute to BDD symptoms, while testing the mediating role of body esteem.
The study employs a covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. The population includes women aged 23–35 seeking cosmetic or aesthetic treatments in Tehran, with approximately 264 participants selected through purposive sampling. Instruments include the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR), Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Body Esteem Scale (BES), and Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI).
Seven hypotheses are tested, proposing that insecure attachment styles and excessive social media use negatively predict body esteem and positively predict BDD symptoms, while body esteem plays a significant mediating role in these associations. The findings are expected to inform interventions aimed at enhancing body esteem and preventing psychological and social consequences related to body dysmorphia among young Iranian women.