Research Paper :  A Study on the Body Image and Sense of Psychological Stability Relatedto the Outward Appearance Management

Lee, Jeong Min; Jang, Hye Sun

Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetology 2013;19(6):1174-1185.
Published online December 31, 2013.

외모관리행동에 따른 신체이미지와 심리적 안정감에 관한 연구

이정민, 장혜선

Research Paper : A Study on the Body Image and Sense of Psychological Stability Relatedto the Outward Appearance Management

Jeong Min Lee, Hye Sun Jang

Abstract

With the economic growth, social and cultural development, the life expectancy has increased and the quality of life has been improved. As a result, the concept of beauty has been diversified, and the outward appearance has taken added importance, has heightened the interest in the outward appearance management. The outward appearance management behavior brings not only the physical health but the sense of psychological stability. In this study, women in their twenties were surveyed through the questionnaires to look into the effect of women`s outward appearance management behavior on body image, and examine the sense of psychological stability which results from the outward appearance management. The results of this study showed that the outward appearance management behavior has a significant positive effect on body image and the sense of psychological stability. furthermore the body image was found to have a significant positive effect on the sense of psychological stability. Based on such results, it was found that women`s outward appearance management behavior acted as a major variable in forming the positive idea towards the body, sense of psychological stability, and self-confidence. This study is meaningful in that it provided basic data for the development of beauty programs related to women.

Key Words: Outward appearance management behavior, Body image, Sense of psychological stability, Beauty management