Clinical and Psychological Impacts of Social Media and Filtered Self-Images on Body Image Perception and Patient Satisfaction Following Aesthetic Procedures Among Jordanian Women: A Cross Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Social media and the widespread use of selfie filters have reshaped beauty expectations and intensified appearance-related pressures among women. In Jordan, where the popularity of aesthetic procedures is rising, little is known about how filtered images influence body image perception and satisfaction after aesthetic procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between selfie filter use and social media engagement on body image perception, and satisfaction after aesthetic procedures among Jordanian women.

METHODS

A cross sectional study was conducted among 390 women aged 18-50 years attending public and private aesthetic clinics in Jordan. Participants completed a structured questionnaire covering demographics, cosmetic history, social media habits, and validated psychological measures (BIDQ, FACE-Q, and PsychFilt). Statistical analyses involved group comparisons, correlations, and multivariable regression.

RESULTS

Participants had a mean age of 33 years. Selfie filters were used by 80.5% of women, and 52.8% reported that social media influenced their decision to undergo aesthetic procedures. Filter users were younger (31.8 vs. 37.9 years, p < 0.001), more active online, and posted selfies more often (daily posting: 20.1% vs. 2.6%). They reported higher BIDQ scores (9.95 vs. 7.95) and higher PsychFilt scores (10.76 vs. 7.05). Filters use independently predicted both greater body image dissatisfaction (β = 1.60, p = 0.013) and stronger psychological impact (β = 3.09, p < 0.001). Satisfaction with procedures was similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Selfie filter use is strongly linked to higher body image dissatisfaction and greater psychological sensitivity to digitally altered images among Jordanian women undergoing aesthetic procedures. These findings highlight the need for integrating media-related counseling and psychological assessment into aesthetic practice.

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