Self-efficacy in cosmetic surgery applicants compared to nonapplicants

Context: The decision for cosmetic surgery (CS) can be influenced by psychological issues. Self-efficacy (SE) is one of the psychological factors affecting this decision. Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare SE between the CS applicants (study group) and nonapplicants (control group). Setting and Design: In this cross-sectional study, 65 samples were recruited for each of the study and control groups. Materials and Methods: The study group was selected from among the beauty centers and the control group was selected among the ordinary people who did not intend to do CS. Convenience sampling was used to select the samples of the study and control groups. The control was matched with the study group with respect to gender, age, marital status, occupation, and education. To measure SE, Sherer et al.'s General Self-Efficacy Scale was used. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U-test, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-test). Results: The average SE was significantly lower in the study group than the control group (P = 0.008). In the study group, there was a significant relationship between SE and education (P = 0.03). However, there was no significant relationship between SE and other demographic variables. Conclusions: The study group had lower SE than that of the control group. It seems that low SE can affect the decision to undergo CS. To avoid unnecessary cosmetic surgeries, the SE of applicants is suggested to be investigated before surgery.