Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(4), pp. 843 - 851
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130407
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Appearance Self-Concept Enhances Quality of Life through Generativity in Middle-Aged Women
Heayoung Lim 1, Ki Han Kwon 2,*
1 Division of Beauty Arts Care, Department of Beauty Arts Care, Graduate School, Dongguk University, Republic of Korea
2 College of General Education, Kookmin University, Republic of Korea
ABSTRACT
The investigation examined how appearance self-concept influences quality of life, with generativity serving as a mediator, in a sample of Korean women aged 50-59. While core values tend to shift from appearance to health with age, appearance remains a significant factor influencing later middle-aged women who experience physical, social, and psychological changes. Data were collected from 350 Korean women aged 50-59 through structured online surveys using Cash's Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised, the Korean version of the Loyola Generativity Scale, and the WHOQOL-BREF. Analysis revealed that appearance self-concept (
=3.20, 
=.67) significantly influences quality of life both directly (
=.308, 
<.001) and indirectly through generativity as a partial mediator. Notably, motivational salience (=3.51, =.87) scored higher than self-evaluative salience (=2.99, =.78) and demonstrated stronger effects on quality of life (
=.269 > =.242) with greater explanatory power (21.8% > 20.3%). These findings suggest that when appearance functions as a motivational resource for fulfilling personal values rather than as an object of social comparison, it more effectively enhances psychological well-being. This study contributes uniquely by examining appearance within a life-span developmental framework, introducing Erikson's concept of generativity as a mediating variable, and specifically focusing on women in their 50s within Korea's appearance-oriented sociocultural context. This study can help understand the psychological processes of middle-aged women striving to maintain a positive identity and quality of life despite physical aging, and may contribute to the development of programs that promote inner value enhancement and a positive body image.
KEYWORDS
Appearance Self-Concept, Generativity, Quality of Life, Middle-Aged Women, Appearance
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Heayoung Lim , Ki Han Kwon , "Appearance Self-Concept Enhances Quality of Life through Generativity in Middle-Aged Women," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 843 - 851, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130407.
(b). APA Format:
Heayoung Lim , Ki Han Kwon (2025). Appearance Self-Concept Enhances Quality of Life through Generativity in Middle-Aged Women. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(4), 843 - 851. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130407.