Effect of Self-directed Learning Ability of Female High School Students on Appearance Management Behavior

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between self-directed learning ability and appearance management behavior of female high school students. Data collection was conducted in July 2023 for 231 female high school students living in the Gyeongnam region, and a questionnaire was used. For data analysis, frequency analysis, factor analysis, reliability analysis, F test, Duncan test, and regression analysis were used with the SPSS program. The results of this study are as follows. The factors of high school girls' self-directed learning ability consisted of six dimensions: learning goal setting, self-reflection, learning will, learning avoidance, learning interest, and learning effort. The factors of female high school students' appearance management behavior consisted of six dimensions: plastic surgery, body shape, fashion, hair, health, and skin. Female high school students' self-directed learning ability and appearance management behavior were partially different according to monthly average pocket money, family economic level, and grades. The double grades showed a significant difference in the self-directed learning ability of female high school students. Self-directed learning ability of female high school students was found to be a variable that partially affects appearance management behavior. In particular, learning avoidance, self-reflection, learning interest, and learning effort of self-directed learning ability were found to be factors influencing appearance management behavior. It is expected that the results of this study can be used as useful information and basic data for educational guidance and program planning for adolescents.