T he role of attractiveness in Western society has been extensively explored by evolutionary and social psychologists (1-3). A metaanalysis of more than 900 studies by Langlois et al (4) provides further support that people are treated differently based on how physically attractive they are perceived to be. Given the influence that physical attractiveness has in our everyday lives, it is perhaps not surprising that people seek a means to alter their appearance to conform to societal ideals of attractiveness. The present study investigated attitudes toward cosmetic surgery by replicating and extending three studies in this area (5-7). The focus of the present study was on how media consumption and religious beliefs, in addition to self-esteem and life satisfaction, influence attitudes to cosmetic surgery.Cosmetic surgery is concerned with the "maintenance, restoration or enhancement of one's physical appearance through surgical and medical techniques" (7). The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported an increase of 446% in cosmetic procedures since 1997 and an overall increase of 8% in 2007, with a 17% increase in men undertaking cosmetic surgery (8). This increase is similar in the United Kingdom. The British Association of Plastic Surgeons recorded a 35% increase in procedures performed by its members from 2004 to 2005 (9). With the increased prevalence, accessibility and evolution of cosmetic surgery in Western society, it is becoming increasingly relevant to explore the various internal and external factors that motivate people to undergo cosmetic surgery. Sarwer et al (10) attribute this recent increase to the availability of plastic surgeons, the influence of the media, evolutionary interests and personal factors relating to the patient. The technological advances in cosmetic surgery have made it safer and less invasive, with a faster recovery time, as well as lowering the cost of procedures. Thus, people have become less anxious, and more willing to consider and accept cosmetic surgery as a possible option for altering their physical appearance (11).The decision to seek out plastic surgery has recently attracted a significant amount of attention (12)(13)(14). Studies have focused on evolutionary, psychosocial and health behavioural covariates of those who have undergone cosmetic surgery (15), as well as more attitudinal and belief system factors such as life satisfaction, self-esteem and body image (16). A comprehensive review by Ching et al (17) found a patient's body image and perceived quality of life to be the strongest and most consistent determinants of aesthetic surgery outcomes. The present study focused on two factors previously disregarded in this literature: media consumption and religious beliefs.Markey and Markey (18) recently examined young American women's interest in obtaining cosmetic surgery. They found that all four factors they investigated -namely, body dissatisfaction, physical appearance, teasing (being teased about 11 different body parts) and media influence (feelin...

T he role of attractiveness in Western society has been extensively explored by evolutionary and social psychologists (1-3). A metaanalysis of more than 900 studies by Langlois et al (4) provides further support that people are treated differently based on how physically attractive they are perceived to be. Given the influence that physical attractiveness has in our everyday lives, it is perhaps not surprising that people seek a means to alter their appearance to conform to societal ideals of attractiveness. The present study investigated attitudes toward cosmetic surgery by replicating and extending three studies in this area (5-7). The focus of the present study was on how media consumption and religious beliefs, in addition to self-esteem and life satisfaction, influence attitudes to cosmetic surgery.Cosmetic surgery is concerned with the "maintenance, restoration or enhancement of one's physical appearance through surgical and medical techniques" (7). The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported an increase of 446% in cosmetic procedures since 1997 and an overall increase of 8% in 2007, with a 17% increase in men undertaking cosmetic surgery (8). This increase is similar in the United Kingdom. The British Association of Plastic Surgeons recorded a 35% increase in procedures performed by its members from 2004 to 2005 (9). With the increased prevalence, accessibility and evolution of cosmetic surgery in Western society, it is becoming increasingly relevant to explore the various internal and external factors that motivate people to undergo cosmetic surgery. Sarwer et al (10) attribute this recent increase to the availability of plastic surgeons, the influence of the media, evolutionary interests and personal factors relating to the patient. The technological advances in cosmetic surgery have made it safer and less invasive, with a faster recovery time, as well as lowering the cost of procedures. Thus, people have become less anxious, and more willing to consider and accept cosmetic surgery as a possible option for altering their physical appearance (11).The decision to seek out plastic surgery has recently attracted a significant amount of attention (12)(13)(14). Studies have focused on evolutionary, psychosocial and health behavioural covariates of those who have undergone cosmetic surgery (15), as well as more attitudinal and belief system factors such as life satisfaction, self-esteem and body image (16). A comprehensive review by Ching et al (17) found a patient's body image and perceived quality of life to be the strongest and most consistent determinants of aesthetic surgery outcomes. The present study focused on two factors previously disregarded in this literature: media consumption and religious beliefs.Markey and Markey (18) recently examined young American women's interest in obtaining cosmetic surgery. They found that all four factors they investigated -namely, body dissatisfaction, physical appearance, teasing (being teased about 11 different body parts) and media influence (feelin...