Self-esteem and body image in the context of aesthetic interventions: Insights from Kosovo

The global increase in cosmetic procedures, including a notable rise in Kosovo, underscores the growing societal emphasis on physical appearance. This study investigates the relationship between self-esteem and body image concerns among individuals with and without prior experience with cosmetic procedures in Kosovo. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, 171 participants were surveyed, with 39.8% reporting previous cosmetic interventions. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Cosmetic Procedures Screening Questionnaire (COPS) were employed to assess psychological outcomes. Results revealed no significant difference in self-esteem between those with and without cosmetic procedure experience. However, a significant negative correlation was found between body image concerns and self-esteem, particularly stronger among those who had undergone cosmetic procedures (r = -.389, p = .001). This suggests that cosmetic procedures may not alleviate underlying self-esteem issues and could potentially exacerbate body image concerns. The study highlights the need for psychological support before and after cosmetic interventions, especially in low- and middle-income contexts like Kosovo. These findings contribute to understanding the complex psychological effects of cosmetic procedures and suggest that motivations for such interventions should be carefully evaluated to ensure positive psychological outcomes.