Do you check the mirror more often?
If you think that this will help you boost your self-image, it is not true.
According to a study by Florida State University researchers, women worried about their appearance could boost their self image by reducing certain behaviours such as mirror checking.
The research team found that women who reduced the number of times they checked or fixed their appearance showed substantial reductions in appearance concerns and other symptoms.
“We looked at the impact that reducing these behaviours had on broad appearance concerns,” said Natalie Wilver, a graduate student in clinical psychology who led the study.
“What we found was that, compared to a group that was not asked to change their behaviour, limiting these behaviours lowered appearance concerns, body dissatisfaction, depression, social anxiety and maladaptive beliefs about appearance.”
Researchers identified 14 different appearance-related behaviours, including closely examining one’s skin, hair, upper body and lower body; covering up or camouflaging aspects of one’s appearance; asking others to comment on appearance; and comparing appearance to others. Over a two-week period, participants received a daily text message reminding them to reduce how frequently they engage in these behaviours.
