Piercings and corsets, leg bandages, white lead and flies over the upper lip… People have always been interested in how they look and tried to be more attractive. But these days, the desire to conform to cultural standards has reached epidemic proportions.
English psychologists Nicola Ramsey and Diane Harcourt, of the Center for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England in Bristol, have written their fascinating and comprehensive book, drawing on the scientific literature, conversations with specific people and the results of hundreds of serious scientific studies. They talk about our psychological problems and needs related to appearance, about the experiences of everyone — whether a person with defects in appearance or without visible differences. Who do we find attractive? How does our perception of ourselves change with age or under the influence of certain events? Who adapts better to appearance defects and why? Separate chapters are devoted to the treatment of psychological disorders and even problems that may arise in the future, in connection with the development of new technologies.
Peter, 256 p.