“Of all the sins of psychology, the deadliest is its indifference to beauty.” James Hillman, a psychoanalyst I would have liked to meet, knew a lot about the implications of beauty in our lives. Beauty, in fact, is not just an aesthetic aspect or, worse, a mere pretext for vanity. The perception others have of us is based in large part on the phenomenon that, in psychology, is called FIRST IMPRESSION. It is the idea we form of a stranger when we meet them for the first time. As the relationship continues, the first impression is usually confirmed and, since it is formed in a fraction of a second, the importance of our appearance becomes more understandable. Beauty has always played a major role in human history, so much so that it has constantly been associated with the sacred. In recent years, beauty standards have evolved and even the most well-known fashion houses have begun to reset their marketing campaigns; models who until recently were excluded from fashion magazines have now become style icons. Furthermore, experiments by psychology professor Karen Pine, from the UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE, have shown that the clothes we wear can directly change the perception we have of ourselves. A white coat, for example, improves the results of a math test and a Superman T-shirt can make us feel stronger.
It affects, in fact, how we are perceived by others and their willingness towards us. If we are considered beautiful, we are also considered competent and good. As a result, in this case, there is a greater willingness towards us both from a professional and human point of view. This also affects the relationship we have with ourselves, as the more willingness we are offered, the more we feel we are worth in a sort of virtuous circle.
The studies reported by Marco Costa and Leonardo Corazza in their book PSYCHOLOGY OF BEAUTY show that beautiful people tend to be given lighter sentences, for the same crimes, just as those who are beautiful are also considered competent.
Taking care of oneself, one's body, and one's appearance allows us to be more satisfied in our professional and private lives. In the image consulting developed by the STRATEGIC THERAPY CENTER of Arezzo, even a single accessory can make a difference. In the words of psychotherapist Giorgio Nardone, who is the father of that consulting, "The habit makes the monk."
Eliana Spinelli