Embedded Files
to conduct more detailed analysis. The data from the three independent variables, exposure, previous experience and parental influence, were cross-tabulated with other factors to determine the relationships, if any, between these factors and attitudes towards plastic surgery. 23 A grounded coding scheme was used to analyze the qualitative data collected. After data were entered into a single document, I looked for common themes, code words, and phrases. The words “privacy” and “judgment” as well as the phrases “personal matter” and “it’s none of their business” were used to gauge attitudes towards plastic surgery that are related to social acceptance. Words and phrases that indicated embracing having cosmetic surgery were common, but for varying reasons. VIII. Results Half of the participants knew of a family member that had plastic surgery and half did not. When asked if they would advise a family member who was unsure about getting plastic surgery, 26 percent of participants responded with “it depends,” 42 percent of participants responded with yes and 32 percent of participants responded with no. Table 2 contains the advice that respondents that said yes would give and Table 3 contains the advice that the “it depends” respondents would give to a family member who was unsure about having plastic surgery. The advice from the individuals that said yes was encouraging and cautionary. Three participants responded with questions they would ask to the unsure family member, “why are you doing this?”, “what are the benefits?,” “will you go against your wishes later?,” “why do you feel like you need it?,” “do you feel like it would make you feel better?,” and “will you regret it later?.”. Other advice was “do what will make you happy,” “do what you want,” and “get it if you want it.”. The advice from the “it depends” respondents consisted of support for reconstructive means and health issues. Participants responded with “For reconstructive means, I would support them.,” “If it is associated with a health risk, then I would support them.,” “If it is for 24 health reasons, yes I would endorse it, but otherwise, I would not.,” and “If it was for reconstructive means, I would say do it. Otherwise, I don’t feel like it is my place.” In response to the statement “People who get plastic surgery only do so for cosmetic reasons,” 4 percent of participants selected agree, 10 percent selected neither agree nor disagree, 48 percent selected disagree and 38 percent selected strongly disagree. This suggests that participants are aware of the two types of plastic surgery and do not see plastic surgery through a purely cosmetic lens. Six participants (12%) were not familiar, 4 participants (8%) were not very familiar, 11 participants (22%) were somewhat familiar, 25 participants (50%) were familiar and 4 participants (8%) were very familiar with plastic surgery reality television programs. Over half of the participants occasionally or regularly watch plastic surgery reality television programs. This reveals a high level of exposure in this sample population. Regarding social acceptability of their friends obtaining plastic surgery, 14 percent of participants selected strongly agree, 52 percent selected agree, 18 percent selected neither agree nor disagree and 16 percent selected disagree. Over half of participants believe that having plastic surgery is socially acceptable for their friends. Regarding social acceptability of their family obtaining plastic surgery, 14 percent of participants selected strongly agree, 36 percent selected agree, 26 percent selected neither agree nor disagree, 20 percent selected disagree and 4 percent selected strongly disagree. The responses to this question showed that half of participants think it is socially acceptable for their family members to have plastic surgery, but the other half were unsure or disagree. Regarding social acceptability of members of their community obtaining plastic surgery, 6 participants (12%) selected strongly agree, 23 participants (46%) selected agree, 16 25 participants (32%) selected neither agree nor disagree, 4 participants (8%) selected disagree and 1 participant (2%) selected strongly disagree in response to getting plastic surgery being socially acceptable for members of their community. These responses show that individuals think that have the smallest number of negative attitudes towards members of their community having plastic surgery. Fifty-four percent of participants disagreed and 46% agreed when asked “If I could have a surgical procedure done for free, I would consider trying cosmetic surgery.” This suggests that if money were not an option when considering having plastic surgery, individuals would still not choose to try plastic surgery. Twenty-seven participants disagreed, 19 agreed and 4 didn’t know if they could have cosmetic surgery if they had an unlimited amount of money. These responses also show that the majority of participants would not have cosmetic surgery if money were not a problem. Figure 2 shows the distribution of responses for “I think plastic surgery is a waste of money.” Although more than half of participants would not consider having cosmetic surgery if they could get a cosmetic procedure done for free or if they had an unlimited amount of money, over half of participants do not think that plastic surgery is a waste of money. 28% 56% 16% Figure 2:
Google Sites
Report abuse