• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.595-605
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• 2016

Importance of appearance as a means of self-expression and communication is increasing in modern society even for men. And appearance has become an significant factor affecting men's quality of life. The main objectives of this study were to develop an instrument measuring appearance related quality of life(ARQoL), and examine the body factors influencing ARQoL. The ARQoL instrument was developed from in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, and literature review, and were revised through two pre-tests. The final questionnaire was administered through on-line survey with 440 men. Quota sampling was used based on age and body size. The results indicated that high ARQoL group showed significantly higher satisfaction on body factors including face, weight, shape, body proportion, hair, and overall impression than low ARQoL group. There was no significant difference in terms of satisfaction on height between two groups. Factor analysis showed that ARQoL consists of four factors - physical, economic, psychological and social factors. Overall impression was the most important body factor affecting all four factors of ARQoL and has very strong influence especially on economic ARQoL. BMI was also a significant factor affecting physical, economic and social ARQoL except psychological factor of ARQoL. Face had significant influence only on economic and psychological aspects of ARQoL.