Self-esteem can play a role in helping to quell social anxiety and even assist with overcoming shy bladder syndrome. Just don’t try building that self-esteem with a nose job, facelift or other forms of plastic surgery. It simply won’t work.
A study published in Psychological Medicine discovered that, although plastic surgery may help a person look better, it certainly did not automatically make them feel better.
The study noted that the younger set who seek plastic surgery are those that typically feel crummy about themselves to begin with, but the surgery did nothing extra-ordinary to lift their self-images or even their spirits.
The study tracked a group of more than 1,500 teen girls over a 13-year period, not knowing who was going to opt for surgery or not. A total of 78 of the teens did go for plastic surgery, and they were more apt to be depressed or anxious to begin with. The surgery did nothing to quash their depression or anxiety, even though they were happy with the surgery results.
The study not only showed that plastic surgery is not necessarily a universal feel-good move, but it also fortified the idea that happiness – and true beauty – comes from within.
Read more about the phenomenon at Psychology Today: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/open-gently/201212/plastic-surgery-doesnt-boost-self-esteem
Study info:
Soest, Tilmann M von; Kvalem, Ingela Lundin & Wichstrøm, Lars (2012). Predictors of cosmetic surgery and its effects on psychological factors and mental health: a population-based follow-up study among Norwegian females. Psychological Medicine. ISSN 0033-2917. 42(3), s 617- 626 . doi: 10.1017/S0033291711001267
