Enter your email address
Submit
Write your message
Volume 24, Issue 153 (11-2025)
Journal of Psychological Science 2025, 24(153): 229-247 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Mashkouri M, Bagherzadeh Gholmakani Z, Mansouri A, Khodabakhsh M. (2025). The effectiveness of compassion focused therapy on perfectionism, body shame and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder in women seeking cosmetic surgery. Journal of Psychological Science. 24(153), 229-247. doi:10.61186/jps.24.153.229
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-2513-en.html
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-2513-en.html
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur Branch, Neyshabur, Iran. , Z.golmakan@gmail.com
Abstract: (1279 Views)
Background: Concern about body shape and fear of physical appearance can significantly influence the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. While the efficacy of various methods on variables such as body shame and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder has been studied, the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has not been adequately addressed by researchers. Therefore, it is essential to examine the impact of this intervention on the psychological well-being of individuals seeking cosmetic surgery.
Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of compassion focused therapy on perfectionism, body shame and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder in women seeking cosmetic surgery.
Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up. The statistical population included all women seeking cosmetic surgery at a beauty clinic in Tehran during the first nine months of 2021. Fatemeh Zahra Clinic in Tehran was selected as a sample using convenience sampling. From the clients at this center, 30 women meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent CFT for eight 120-minute sessions. All participants were assessed using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt & Flett, 1991), the Body Image Shame Scale (Duarte et al., 2014), and the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Fear Scale (Littleton et al., 2005). Data were analyzed using SPSS-24 software and repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results: The results indicated the effectiveness of CFT in reducing perfectionism, body shame, and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (p< 0.05). Additionally, the results regarding the interaction effect between time and group showed that this effect was significant for all variables (p< 0.05). Therefore, there is an interaction between different levels of time and different levels of groups.
Conclusion: Given the effectiveness of CFT, it is recommended to consider this therapy as a supportive, auxiliary, and rehabilitative treatment alongside medication to reduce the outcomes associated with perfectionism, body shame, and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder.
Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of compassion focused therapy on perfectionism, body shame and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder in women seeking cosmetic surgery.
Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up. The statistical population included all women seeking cosmetic surgery at a beauty clinic in Tehran during the first nine months of 2021. Fatemeh Zahra Clinic in Tehran was selected as a sample using convenience sampling. From the clients at this center, 30 women meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent CFT for eight 120-minute sessions. All participants were assessed using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt & Flett, 1991), the Body Image Shame Scale (Duarte et al., 2014), and the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Fear Scale (Littleton et al., 2005). Data were analyzed using SPSS-24 software and repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results: The results indicated the effectiveness of CFT in reducing perfectionism, body shame, and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (p< 0.05). Additionally, the results regarding the interaction effect between time and group showed that this effect was significant for all variables (p< 0.05). Therefore, there is an interaction between different levels of time and different levels of groups.
Conclusion: Given the effectiveness of CFT, it is recommended to consider this therapy as a supportive, auxiliary, and rehabilitative treatment alongside medication to reduce the outcomes associated with perfectionism, body shame, and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/06/24 | Accepted: 2024/08/28 | Published: 2025/11/24
Received: 2024/06/24 | Accepted: 2024/08/28 | Published: 2025/11/24
References
1. بشارت، محمدعلی. (1383). رابطه کمالگرایی و مشکلات بین شخصی. فصلنامه دانشور رفتار، 11(7)، 8-1. https://www.sid.ir/paper/46286/fa
2. صادق زاده، مرضیه؛ و شاملی، لیلا. (1399). بررسی ویژگیهای روانسنجی پرسشنامه شرم از تصویر بدن در دانشجویان دختر و پسر ایرانی. فصلنامه روانشناسی فرهنگی، 4، (2)، 242-223. https://doi.org/10.30487/jcp.2021.256207.1186
3. غلامی، امید؛ مروتی، ذکر اله؛ عالی پور بیرگانی، سیروس؛ و مکتبی، غلامحسین. (1394). رابطه علّی بین کمالگرایی و هدفهای پیشرفت با اضطراب امتحان با میانجیگری باورهای خودکارآمدی در دانشآموزان دبیرستانی. فصلنامه رویکردهای نوین آموزشی، 10، 2(22)، 143-117. https://nea.ui.ac.ir/article_20908.html
4. محمدی، نوراله؛ و سجادینژاد، مرضیه السادات. (1386). ارزیابی شاخصهای روانسنجی پرسشنامهی نگرانی دربارهی تصویر بدنی و آزمون مدل ارتباطی شاخص تودهی بدنی، نارضایتی از تصویر بدنی و عزت نفس در دختران نوجوان. فصلنامه مطالعات روانشناختی، 3(1)، 99-83. https://doi.org/10.22051/psy.2007.1650
5. مفاخری، عبدالله؛ اشرفی فرد، سمیه؛ و خرمی، محمد. (1400). مدل ساختاری رابطه بین نگرانی از تصویر بدن و باورهای وسواسی با مدیریت بدن در افراد متقاضی جراحی زیبایی. فصلنامه روانشناسی سلامت، 10(38)، 140-121. https://doi.org/10.30473/hpj.2021.55499.4964
6. Albertson, E. R., Neff, K. D., & Dill-Shackleford, K. E. (2015). Self-compassion and body dissatisfaction in women: A randomized controlled trial of a brief meditation intervention. Mindfulness, 6, 444-454. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-014-0277-3
7. Baldock, E., & Veale, D. (2017). The self as an aesthetic object: Body image, beliefs about the self, and shame in a cognitive-behavioral model of body dysmorphic disorder. In K. A. Phillips (Ed.), Body dysmorphic disorder: Advances in research and clinical practice (pp. 299–310). Oxford University Press.
8. Besharat, M.A. (2004). The relationship between perfectionism and interpersonal problems. Daneshvar-e-Raftar, 11(7), 1-8. (in Persian). https://www.sid.ir/paper/46286/fa
9. Bonell, S., Barlow, F. K., & Griffiths, S. (2021). The cosmetic surgery paradox: Toward a contemporary understanding of cosmetic surgery popularisation and attitudes. Body Image, 38, 230-240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.04.010
10. Borroni, S., Ruotolo, G., Grazioli, V., & Fossati, A. (2022). Perfectionistic self-presentation and body dysmorphic features in a sample of community-dwelling adult women. Journal of Psychopathology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2005.01.002
11. Carter, A., Gilbert, P., & Kirby, J. N. (2021). Compassion‐focused therapy for body weight shame: A mixed methods pilot trial. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 28(1), 93-108. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2488
12. Ching, B. H. H., & Xu, J. T. (2019). Understanding cosmetic surgery consideration in Chinese adolescent girls: Contributions of materialism and sexual objectification. Body Image, 28, 6-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.11.001
13. Constantian, M. B., & Zaborek, N. (2021). The prevalence of adverse childhood experiences, body shame, and revision request rate in 218 plastic surgery patients: what drives postoperative dissatisfaction?. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 148(6), 1233-1246. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000008567
14. Couper, S. L., Moulton, S. J., Hogg, F. J., & Power, K. G. (2021). Interpersonal functioning and body image dissatisfaction in patients referred for NHS aesthetic surgery: A mediating role between emotion regulation and perfectionism?. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 74(9), 2283-2289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2021.01.003
15. Craig, C., Hiskey, S., & Spector, A. (2020). Compassion focused therapy: A systematic review of its effectiveness and acceptability in clinical populations. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 20(4), 385-400. https://doi.org/10.1080/14737175.2020.1746184
16. Di Gesto, C., Nerini, A., Policardo, G. R., & Matera, C. (2022). Predictors of acceptance of cosmetic surgery: Instagram images-based activities, appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction among women. Aesthetic plastic surgery, 1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02546-3
17. Duarte, C., Pinto‐Gouveia, J., Ferreira, C., & Batista, D. (2015). Body image as a source of shame: A new measure for the assessment of the multifaceted nature of body image shame. Clinical psychology & psychotherapy, 22(6), 656-666. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.1925
18. Erekson, D. M., Griner, D., & Beecher, M. E. (2024). Compassion focused therapy for groups: Transdiagnostic treatment for turbulent times. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 74(2), 149–176. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207284.2024.2314278
19. Elaine, B. C., & Hollins, M. (2016). Exploration of a training programme for student therapists that employs Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) to develop compassion for self and others. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 22, 5-13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2016.06.005
20. Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2006). Positive versus negative perfectionism in psychopathology: A comment on Slade and Owens's dual process model. Behavior modification, 30(4), 472-495. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445506288026
21. Foroughi, A., Khanjani, S., & Asl, E. M. (2019). Relationship of concern about body dysmorphia with external shame, perfectionism, and negative affect: The mediating role of self-compassion. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 13(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/ijpbs.80186
22. Gajić, M., & Gajić, L. D. (2022). Personality Traits as Determinants of Body Image and the Mediation Role of Perfectionism in Cosmetic Surgery. Hrvatski časopis zdravstvenih znanosti, 2(1), 16-23. https://doi.org/10.48188/hczz.2.1.10
23. Gholami, O., Morovati, Z., Allipour, S., & Maktabi, G. H. (2016). The Casual Relationship between Perfectionism and chievement Goals with Test Anxiety with Mediating Role of Self-efficacy in High-school Male Students. New Educational Approaches, 10(2), 117-143. (Persian). https://nea.ui.ac.ir/article_20908.html
24. Gilbert, P. (2009). Introducing compassion-focused therapy. Advances in psychiatric treatment, 15(3), 199-208. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.bp.107.005264
25. Gilbert, P., & Tirch, D. (2009). Emotional memory, mindfulness and compassion. In Clinical handbook of mindfulness (pp. 99-110). New York, NY: Springer New York. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09593-6_7
26. Gillen, M. M., & Markey, C. H. (2021). Body image, weight management behavior, and women’s interest in cosmetic surgery. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 26(5), 621-630. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2020.1776890
27. Hosseini, S. E., Ghasemi, N., Molayi Gonbadi, G., & Rezayi, L. (2010). Comparison of the level of stress and body image among individuals aged 20-30 seeking and not seeking cosmetic surgeries in Ahvaz province. Journal of Modern Industrial/Organization Psychology, 1(3), 75-84. https://psy.garmsar.iau.ir/article_538800_f0809634f00440a316410db6dc8d40d7.pdf
28. Jung, J., & Hwang, C. S. (2016). Associations between attitudes toward cosmetic surgery, celebrity worship, and body image among South Korean and US female college students. Fashion and Textiles, 3, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40691-016-0069-6
29. Kasmaei, P., Hassankiade, R. F., Karimy, M., Kazemi, S., Morsali, F., & Nasollahzadeh, S. (2020). Role of attitude, body image, satisfaction and socio-demographic variables in cosmetic surgeries of Iranian students. World Journal of Plastic Surgery, 9(2), 186. https://doi.org/10.29252%2Fwjps.9.2.186
30. Kearney, K., & Hicks, R. E. (2017). Self-compassion and breast cancer in 23 cancer respondents: Is the way you relate to yourself a factor in disease onset and progress?. Psychology, 14-16. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2017.81002
31. Kirby, J. N., Day, J., & Sagar, V. (2019). The ‘Flow’of compassion: A meta-analysis of the fears of compassion scales and psychological functioning. Clinical Psychology Review, 70, 26-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2019.03.001
32. Linde, J., Luoma, J. B., Rück, C., Ramnerö, J., & Lundgren, T. (2023). Acceptance and Compassion-Based Therapy Targeting Shame in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Multiple Baseline Study. Behavior Modification, 47(3), 693-718. https://doi.org/10.1177/01454455221129989
33. Littleton, H. L., Axsom, D., & Pury, C. L. (2005). Development of the body image concern inventory. Behaviour Research and therapy, 43(2), 229-241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2003.12.006
34. Loghmani, S., Loghmani, S., Baghi, H., Hoghoughi, M. A., & Dalvi, F. (2017). Demographic characteristics of patients undergoing rhinoplasty: a single center two-time-period comparison. World Journal of Plastic Surgery, 6(3), 275. https://wjps.ir/article-1-309-en.pdf
35. Luo, Y., Meng, R., Li, J., Liu, B., Cao, X., & Ge, W. (2019). Self-compassion may reduce anxiety and depression in nursing students: a pathway through perceived stress. Public health, 174, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2019.05.015
36. Mafakheri, A., Ashrafifard, S., & Khorrami, M. (2021). A Structural Model of the Relationship between Body Image Concern and Obsessive Beliefs with Body Management in People Seeking Cosmetic Surgery. Health Psychology, 10(38), 121-140. (Persian). https://doi.org/10.30473/hpj.2021.55499.4964
37. Malcolm, A., Pikoos, T., Castle, D. J., Labuschagne, I., & Rossell, S. L. (2021). Identity and shame in body dysmorphic disorder as compared to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 31, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2021.100686
38. Mohammadi, N., & Sajadinejad, M. S. (2007). The Evaluation of psychometric properties of Body Image Concern Inventory and examination of a model about the relationship between body mass index, body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem in adolescent girls. Journal of Psychological Studies, 3(1), 85-101. (Persian). https://doi.org/10.22051/psy.2007.1650
39. Naami, A., & Mahmood Salehi, H. (2016). Prediction of cosmetic surgery tendency based on mindfulness, personality dimensions, perfectionism and mental health components. International Journal of School Health, 3(3), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.17795/intjsh-32746
40. Neff, K. D. (2003). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and identity, 2(3), 223-250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309027
41. Neff, K. D., & Vonk, R. (2009). Self‐compassion versus global self‐esteem: Two different ways of relating to oneself. Journal of personality, 77(1), 23-50. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2008.00537.x
42. Pourkaveh Dehkordi, E., Khan Mohammadi, A., & Abbasi Asfajir, A. A. (2020). Meta-Analysis of the Causes of Iranian Women’s Tendency to Cosmetic Surgery. Health Psychology, 9(34), 7-24. (in Persian). https://doi.org/10.30473/hpj.2020.44278.4266
43. Pullmer, R., Chung, J., Samson, L., Balanji, S., & Zaitsoff, S. (2019). A systematic review of the relation between self-compassion and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Journal of adolescence, 74, 210-220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.06.006
44. Raes, F. (2011). The effect of self-compassion on the development of depression symptoms in a non-clinical sample. Mindfulness, 2, 33-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-011-0040-y
45. Roemer, L., Orsillo, S. M., & Salters-Pedneault, K. (2008). Efficacy of an acceptance-based behavior therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: evaluation in a randomized controlled trial. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 76(6), 1083. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0012720
46. Sadeghzadeh, M., & Shameli, M. (2021). Measuring Body-based Social Shame: The Psychometric Properties of Body Image Shame Scale (BISS) in Iranian Female and Male Students. Cultural Psychology, 4(2), 223-242. (Persian). https://doi.org/10.30487/jcp.2021.256207.1186
47. Sarwer, D. B. (2019). Body image, cosmetic surgery, and minimally invasive treatments. Body image, 31, 302-308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.01.009
48. Sherry, S. B., Lee-Baggley, D. L., Hewitt, P. L., & Flett, G. L. (2007). Perfectionism as a contraindication for cosmetic surgery: a reply to Clodius (2007). European Journal of Plastic Surgery, 29(8), 357-359. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-007-0111-4
49. Swami, V., & Mammadova, A. (2012). Associations between consideration of cosmetic surgery, perfectionism dimensions, appearance schemas, relationship satisfaction, excessive reassurance-seeking, and love styles. Individual differences research, 10(2), 81-94. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-17976-003
50. Todorov, N., Sherman, K. A., Kilby, C. J., & Breast Cancer Network Australia. (2019). Self‐compassion and hope in the context of body image disturbance and distress in breast cancer survivors. Psycho‐oncology, 28(10), 2025-2032. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5187
51. Toole, A. M., & Craighead, L. W. (2016). Brief self-compassion meditation training for body image distress in young adult women. Body image, 19, 104-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.09.001
52. Veale, D., & Gilbert, P. (2014). Body dysmorphic disorder: The functional and evolutionary context in phenomenology and a compassionate mind. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 3(2), 150-160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2013.11.005
53. Walker, C. E., Krumhuber, E. G., Dayan, S., & Furnham, A. (2021). Effects of social media use on desire for cosmetic surgery among young women. Current psychology, 40, 3355-3364. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1007/s12144-019-00282-1
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. |
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)