The Psychology of Appearance

by Rumsey, Nichola

• ISBN13: 9780335212767
• ISBN10: 033521276X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-11-01
• Publisher: Open University Press

Summary

Appearance-related concerns and distress are experienced by a significant proportion of people with visible disfigurements, and are also reaching epidemic proportions in the general population. In the light of these developments, this book includes:A comprehensive summary and critical evaluation of research and understanding concerning the psychology of appearancetextA historical review of research to dateA review of the methodological challenges for researchers in this areaAn overview of current understanding of appearance-related concerns and distress in the general population and among those with acquired or congenital disfigurements such as burns, clefts of the lip and/or palate, scarring and acneExploring the psychosocial factors which are protective and those which exacerbate distress, The Psychology of Appearance offers a vision of a comprehensive approach to support and intervention and addresses the following questions:Are attractive people at an advantage in life?What are the challenges presented by having a visibly different appearance?What are the psycho-social factors playing a part in individual differences in levels of adjustment and distress in relation to appearance?How can interventions meet the needs of those affected?The Psychology of Appearance provides essential reading for psychology students, health and clinical psychologists, health professionals, employers and policy makers interested in the ramifications of appearance concerns.

Table of Contents

Series editors' foreword	xi
Preface	xiii
1 Appearance matters: the history of appearance research	1	(27)
Judgements of beauty and the desirability of being attractive to others — then and now	4	(2)
Making judgements of morality and personality from physical features	6	(2)
Reactions to visible differences	8	(5)
The emergence of literature concerning the psychology of appearance	13	(1)
Judgements made on the basis of physical appearance	14	(3)
The relative impact of different aspects of appearance	17	(9)
Chapter summary	26	(1)
Discussion points	26	(1)
Further reading	27	(1)
2 The challenges facing researchers in the area	28	(35)
Underlying assumptions	29	(1)
Sensitivities around appearance research	29	(1)
Research funding	30	(1)
Sampling and recruitment	31	(3)
Conceptualizing participants as a homogenous group	34	(2)
Comparison and control groups	36	(1)
Timing of data collection	37	(1)
Context of data collection	38	(1)
Research methods	38	(6)
The multiplicity of variables implicated in adjustment	44	(2)
Theories and models	46	(10)
Broadening the range of research methods	56	(4)
Dissemination of research findings	60	(1)
Conclusion	61	(1)
Chapter summary	61	(1)
Discussion points	62	(1)
Further reading	62	(1)
3 Appearance and image issues for those without visible differences	63	(25)
Concerns about appearance	63	(3)
Appearance and lifespan issues	66	(20)
Conclusion	86	(1)
Chapter summary	86	(1)
Discussion points	87	(1)
Further reading	87	(1)
4 Psychological difficulties associated with visible difference	88	(31)
Defining what is and is not a disfigurement	88	(1)
The causes of visible difference	89	(1)
What difficulties are associated with visible difference?	90	(26)
Conclusion	116	(1)
Chapter summary	117	(1)
Discussion points	117	(1)
Further reading	118	(1)
5 Psychological predictors of vulnerability and resilience	119	(19)
An alternative to the pathologizing approach	119	(1)
Resilience	120	(2)
Factors exacerbating or ameliorating distress	122	(13)
Conclusion	135	(1)
Chapter summary	136	(1)
Discussion points	136	(1)
Further reading	137	(1)
6 Current provision of support and intervention for appearance-related concerns	138	(25)
Support and intervention for the population as a whole	138	(6)
Support and intervention for people with a visible difference	144	(9)
The limitations of a biomedical approach	153	(3)
Provision of psychosocial care	156	(4)
Legal intervention	160	(1)
Conclusion	160	(1)
Chapter summary	161	(1)
Discussion points	161	(1)
Further reading	162	(1)
7 The potential for more effective support and intervention	163	(25)
Interventions directed at the population as a whole	163	(6)
Improving support for people with a visible difference	169	(15)
School-based interventions for those with a visible difference	184	(1)
Towards a comprehensive system of care	184	(2)
Conclusion	186	(1)
Chapter summary	186	(1)
Discussion points	187	(1)
Further reading	187	(1)
8 Conclusions, dilemmas and the challenges still ahead	188	(14)
Challenges ahead	188	(4)
Current dilemmas	192	(9)
Further reading	201	(1)
References	202	(25)
Index	227