Appearance anxiety and social ostracism among maxillofacial trauma patients: role of perceived social support and post-traumatic growth

The current study aims to identify the association between appearance anxiety, post-traumatic growth, perceived social support and social ostracism and the role of post-traumatic growth as a mediator and perceived social support as a moderator among maxillofacial trauma patients. A total number of 172 maxillofacial trauma patients (<i>M</i> = 76, F = 96) participated in this study. The data were compiled using the Appearance Anxiety Inventory, Ostracism Experience Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory. A cross-sectional design was used. Pearson correlations and PROCESS macro were employed to examine mediation and moderation effects, and independent samples t-tests assessed gender differences. The results revealed a negative association between appearance anxiety, post-traumatic growth and perceived social support. Additionally, there was a significant positive relationship between post-traumatic growth and perceived social support. Results showed that maxillofacial trauma patient's post-traumatic growth and perceived social support were negatively correlated with social ostracism. The study's findings suggest that post-traumatic growth mediates, and perceived social support moderates the relationship between appearance anxiety and social ostracism among maxillofacial trauma patients. This study will facilitate implications required for multifaceted approach and interventions to trauma recovery for the betterment of overall wellbeing of maxillofacial trauma patients.