Researchers identify risk factors for addictive use of cosmetic procedures

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Journal of Health Psychology suggests that repeated engagement in cosmetic procedures can take on addiction-like qualities for a notable portion of women. The findings provide evidence that low body esteem and problematic social media habits are strongly linked to this compulsive behavior. These insights help explain how digital environments and personal insecurities might interact to encourage repetitive aesthetic treatments. The research team included Vera Skvirsky, Uri Lifshin, Dvora Shmulewitz, and Mario Mikulincer from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health. They sought to understand the psychological mechanisms associated with repeated cosmetic interventions. Cosmetic procedures are elective interventions meant to alter a person’s physical appearance. These include surgical operations like liposuction as well as non-surgical...