Unmasking anxiety and appearance concerns: An examination using body dysmorphic concerns and body appearance shame

Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors related to unmasking anxiety, with a focus on the aspect of physical appearance. In this study, body dysmorphic concern and appearance shame were addressed as factors related to unmasking appearance anxiety. In addition, social anxiety and the underlying public self-consciousness and desire to avoid rejection were also addressed. The results of the analysis revealed gender differences, where appearance-related factors were not found to be related to unmasking appearance anxiety for males, but public self-consciousness and social anxiety were related to it. On the other hand, for females, body dysmorphia concerns were found to be related to unmasking appearance anxiety.