Abstract
The purpose of the study was to identify the motives of women's appearance-management behavior, and examine how women perceived the appearance -management behavior and pursuit of ideal body image. The depth interview method was managed to five female subjects who had experiences in plastic surgery and obesity treatment. The instance analysis used in this study. The results were as follows : There were four types of women's appearance-management behavior. First, women perceived themselves by using other people's evaluation, and it was the first motive of appearance-management behavior. It shows that appearance is not based on the real self-image but is the evaluated self-image by others. Second, women were willing to suffer the pain in the plastic surgery and obesity treatment by the expectation of appearance improvement. It means the result of reducing the difference between the actual self-figure and the ideal self-image. Third, the sexual discrimination culture had an influence on appearance-management behavior. It seems the sense of male superiority spreaded over the Korean society. Lastly, women improved self-satisfaction and self-esteem through their physical appearance as an alternative method for better life.
