The relationship between TikTok use, body image, and attitudes toward cosmetic surgery among young adult women: A cross-sectional study.

[PURPOSE] This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between TikTok use, body image, and attitudes toward cosmetic surgery among young women.

[DESIGN AND METHODS] The participants of this descriptive and correlational study were young women aged (18-30 years). Data were collected using the "Sociodemographic and Descriptive Information Form," the "Body Image Scale," and the "Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale." Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the data.

[RESULTS] In this study, participants' body image and acceptance of cosmetic surgery were moderate. A correlation was found between body image and cosmetic surgery acceptance. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between participants' TikTok usage patterns and their body image and cosmetic surgery acceptance levels. The number of appearance-related comments on TikTok and the duration of TikTok use were identified as determinants of body image, while a history of cosmetic procedures and having an acquaintance who has had such procedures were identified as significant predictors of acceptance of cosmetic surgery.

[CONCLUSIONS] This study demonstrated the impact of TikTok use on body image and attitudes toward cosmetic surgery in young women. Nurses play an important role in providing psychological screening and counseling before the procedure to individuals who are dissatisfied with their bodies and considering cosmetic surgery.

[PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS] TikTok use, especially time spent and engagement with appearance-related content, is linked to body image and attitudes toward cosmetic surgery in young women. Nurses should assess social media use and provide psychological screening and counseling to support realistic expectations and informed decisions before cosmetic surgery.