The Mediating Effect of Life Satisfaction on Relation between Perceived Physical Attractiveness and Health-Promoting Lifestyle in Korean Adults

Abstract

Physical attraction, perceived in terms of satisfaction with body image and interpersonal relationships, can be an essential factor in an individual’s emotional and social well-being. However, empirical studies that link physical attraction to health are limited. This study explores the mediating effect of life satisfaction on the relation between perceived physical attractiveness and lifestyle of health, making an effort to reach an optimal state in physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual domains in Korean adults. Four hundred fifty-nine adults in a community setting participated in this cross-sectional study. The results showed positive associations among physical attractiveness, life satisfaction, and health-promoting lifestyle after adjusting for age, gender, marital status, education, and job status. Life satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between perceived physical attractiveness and a higher lifestyle of health (z = 2.80, p = 0.005). For health promotion and disease prevention, positive psychology can be a suitable strategy. Physical attractiveness and life satisfaction can be important keys to maintain health-promoting lifestyle behavior.