Ivana Brstilo Lovrić, Gabriela Knežević, Petra Mirković

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.64332/ujbb.2.2.2

Abstract
Background: In contemporary society, media and social networks promote youth and physical beauty as ideals, while ageing is often stigmatised. The growing use of aesthetic procedures like Botox and fillers reflects the influence of the beauty industry. In contrast, Christian anthropology views the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and ageing as a path to wisdom, raising questions about how religious youth navigate these opposing values.

Aim: To explore how religious young people in Croatia interpret contemporary beauty norms, aesthetic surgery, and ageing.

Methods: A qualitative design based on semi-structured individual interviews was employed, following COREQ guidelines. Using snowball sampling, seven participants (aged 18–30, self-identified as religious and active in church communities) were recruited. Interviews took place in April–May 2024 at the parish of St. Anthony of Padua in Zagreb. Ethical approval was granted by the Catholic University of Croatia; all participants provided informed consent. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, progressing through open, axial, and selective coding.

Results: Participants identified media and social networks as key promoters of unrealistic beauty ideals. In response, they emphasised natural embodiment, spiritual balance, and healthy living. Attitudes toward aesthetic surgery were ambivalent—though not viewed as religiously forbidden, most supported bodily integrity and accepted interventions only for health or functional reasons. Ageing was seen positively, associated with maturity, wisdom, and respect for older adults.

Conclusion: Religious beliefs shaped how young participants interpreted cultural norms of beauty and ageing, promoting natural embodiment and viewing ageing as a stage of personal and spiritual growth. Findings highlight the role of religiosity in youth culture and call for further interdisciplinary research on embodiment, beauty, and ageing within contemporary society.

Keywords:aesthetic surgery, ageing, beauty, Croatia, religiosity, young people