Identifying factors associated with deterrence of risky appearance-management behaviours.

The purpose of this study was to explore viewpoints on factors that could prevent engagement in risky appearance-management behaviours (AMBs). A convenience sample of 92 undergraduate women completed a questionnaire that contained a measure of AMBs and four open-ended questions. Participants identified individual, social, and cultural factors underlying their non-engagement in risky behaviours. They also compensated for not practicing risky behaviours. Factors internal to an individual (e.g. low self-esteem) and external to an individual (e.g. media exposure) were identified as possible inducements to risky behaviours. Findings provide information useful for incorporation into strategies designed to deter risky AMBs with young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]