Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The tendency and demand for cosmetic surgery have steadily increased over the past decade. Several factors may contribute to this trend, and understanding these factors is essential. The primary objective was to investigate the relationship between self-compassion, social network use, and the acceptance of cosmetic surgery among female students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 3 to August 11, 2025, involving 363 female students at the Golestan University of Medical Sciences in Iran. The inclusion criteria comprised Iranian nationality and ownership of a smartphone. The study used a stratified sampling method (each college as a stratum) and a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale and the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale. Additionally, daily usage of social networking sites was assessed. Participants completed the online tools. Multiple regression analysis IBM Corp. Released 2017. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. tested associations between variables. RESULTS: The findings showed that the self-compassion mean score had an inverse and significant relationship with the mean score of the tendency towards cosmetic surgery (r = -0.195, p = 0.001). Furthermore, the mean score of usage showed a direct and significant relationship with the mean score of the tendency towards cosmetic surgery (r = 0.148, p = 0.005). Regression analysis further indicated that self-compassion (B = -0.552, p = 0.001) and age (B = -0.552, p = 0.001) were the only significant predictors of cosmetic surgery tendency. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that female students with higher levels of self-compassion were less likely to desire cosmetic surgery. Conversely, female students who spent more time daily on social networking sites were more likely to consider cosmetic surgery. Educational policymakers and planners can utilize these findings.