The body image dimension of social fear is strongly affected by culture. Because of the fear, you are vulnerable to how some modern magazines portray the ideal in terms of physical beauty. Such magazines are a powerful trigger to make you conscious of physical defects. The so-called beauty industry is colossal, and an increasing number of people, male and female, are being seduced by it. If you have good self-esteem you will not be swayed by the proclaimed ideal of physical beauty. You will be comfortable in your skin, even if it is wrinkled with age! If you define yourself in terms of physical beauty, you will ultimately be haunted by a sense of failure. This may sound ludicrous, but do not underestimate the power of cultural aspirations, which can make you feel flawed. Cultural views on physical beauty is just another way of being shamed, as you compare yourself to beautiful females and handsome males adorning the pages of these magazines. You may have thoughts like ‘I am ugly, my hair is falling out and she will think I’m unattractive, my ears are too big, my nose is too long, or I’m not good looking enough for her, I’m too fat, I’m too thin, ‘I’m too small, I’m too tall’ and a whole myriad of other supposed imperfections. The lesson is to deal with the underlying cause of not feeling good enough.
Extract from my recent book – Understanding and Healing the Hurts of Childhood.
THERAPISTS IN TIPPERARY
PSYCHOTHERAPISTS IN TIPPERARY
COUNSELLING TIPPERARY
DEATH OF A CHILD
ABUSE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
FEAR
ANGER
JEALOUSY
SHAME
I am the author of six books
When a Child Dies. Footsteps of a Grieving Family
Abuse. Domestic Violence, Workplace and School Bullying
Understanding and Healing the Hurts of Childhood.
I’ll Meet You at the Roundy O
Priest, Politics and Society in Post Famine Ireland 1850-1891
Prince of Swindlers. John Sadleir MP 1813-1856
I am currently writing a major work on DID (Multiple Personality Disorder)
