AGE AND GENDER FEATURES OF THE INTENSITY OF ORIENTATION TOWARD PHYSICAL APPEARANCE COMPARISONS

The article examines the relationship between orientation toward comparison of physical appearance, social comparisons, and life satisfaction in different age and gender groups. The study involved 196 respondents aged 14 to 75 years. To analyse the data, mathematical data processing methods such as one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were used. The study emphasises that with age, there is a reassessment of values and a change in priorities, which affects the perception of one’s own appearance and satisfaction with life. The results show that adolescents who frequently compare their appearance with others may experience dissatisfaction with themselves and their lives. However, as they grow older, the focus shifts from external characteristics to internal qualities, achievements, and life circumstances. The work notes that the development of self-awareness and self-esteem, changes in social roles and expectations, accumulation of life experience, and the influence of the environment are all factors that can influence orientation toward comparison and life satisfaction in different age groups. This work emphasises the importance of understanding these relationships for developing effective strategies for supporting and developing personality at different stages of life. The results may be useful for psychologists, teachers, parents, and anyone interested in issues of personality development and life satisfaction in different age groups.