Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Shojaei N, Riahi M. (2026). A Sociological Analysis of the Relationship Between Body and Beauty Attitudes and Fear of Aging Among Middle-Aged Adults. Social Welfare Quarterly.
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4601-en.html
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4601-en.html
Abstract: (14 Views)
Introduction: Population aging is increasing worldwide, including in Iran, making fear of aging an important social concern. Although aging is a natural process, its physical and appearance-related changes may evoke fear and anxiety. From a sociological perspective, this study examined the relationship between body and beauty attitudes and fear of aging among middle-aged adults.
Method: This survey study included 380 adults aged 30–60 years residing in Fereydunkenar, Iran, selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 27).
Findings: Nearly half of the respondents reported high levels of fear of aging. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that negative body and beauty attitudes, perceived aging stigma, and appearance-related social comparison were positively and significantly associated with fear of aging, whereas self-esteem was negatively and significantly associated with it. Multiple regression analysis showed that negative body and beauty attitudes were the strongest predictor of fear of aging (β = 0.241), followed by perceived aging stigma (β = 0.197), appearance-related social comparison (β = 0.184), and self-esteem (β = −0.123).
Discussion: Reducing age-related stereotypes, promoting realistic beauty standards, fostering positive body attitudes, and increasing public awareness of aging may help reduce fear of aging.
Method: This survey study included 380 adults aged 30–60 years residing in Fereydunkenar, Iran, selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 27).
Findings: Nearly half of the respondents reported high levels of fear of aging. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that negative body and beauty attitudes, perceived aging stigma, and appearance-related social comparison were positively and significantly associated with fear of aging, whereas self-esteem was negatively and significantly associated with it. Multiple regression analysis showed that negative body and beauty attitudes were the strongest predictor of fear of aging (β = 0.241), followed by perceived aging stigma (β = 0.197), appearance-related social comparison (β = 0.184), and self-esteem (β = −0.123).
Discussion: Reducing age-related stereotypes, promoting realistic beauty standards, fostering positive body attitudes, and increasing public awareness of aging may help reduce fear of aging.
Article number: 5
Keywords: Fear of aging, Body and beauty attitudes, Perceived aging stigma, Appearance-related social comparison, Middle-aged adults, Fereydunkenar.
Type of Study: orginal |
Received: 2026/06/14 | Accepted: 2026/10/21 | Published: 2026/11/4
Received: 2026/06/14 | Accepted: 2026/10/21 | Published: 2026/11/4
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
Contact Information
Copyright © The Author(s);
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 (CC-By-NC 4.0), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Contact Information
