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Vivian Diller Ph.D.

About

Vivian Diller, Ph.D., is a psychologist in private practice in New York City. Dr. Diller was a professional dancer before she became a professional model, represented by Wilhelmina, appearing in Glamour, Seventeen, national print ads, and TV commercials. After completing her Ph.D. in clinical psychology, she went on to do postdoctoral training in psychoanalysis at NYU. She has written articles on beauty, aging, eating disorders, models, and dancers, and served as a consultant to a major cosmetic company interested in promoting age-related beauty products.

Her book, FACE IT: What Women Really Feel As Their Looks Change (2010), written with Jill Muir-Sukenick, Ph.D. and edited by Michele Willens, is a psychological guide to help women deal with the emotions brought on by their changing appearances. “Today” co-host Hoda Kotb called it “a smart book for smart women.”

Books by Vivian Diller Ph.D.
Recent Posts
The Case for Real Beauty
Real beauty. It sounds like an oxymoron, but it is now a welcome message for many women. While the shift has been slowly building, we're currently witnessing an important sea change in how beauty is viewed in today's culture.
The Beauty Gap is Closing
Whether men's interest in cosmetic products and services is viewed positively or negatively, there are clear reasons to believe this trend will continue to grow in years to come.
Beauty Ambivalence
I've never liked the saying (not to mention the sentiment) "you can't be too rich or too thin." But now, "you can't be too beautiful" is under fire, too. When it comes to women and their looks, it seems we just can't win.
Turning a Midlife Crisis Into an Opportunity

A true midlife crisis hits when overwhelming anxiety about aging combines with a person's biological and psychological changes. While this confluence of events wreaks havoc for some, it need not lead to an emotional meltdown for all.

A true midlife crisis hits when overwhelming anxiety about aging combines with a person's biological and psychological changes. While this confluence of events wreaks havoc for some, it need not lead to an emotional meltdown for all.

Can Females Influence the Culture of Sports?

When Congress passed Title IX 40 years ago, many believed it would be a breakthrough for women and sports. The law not only provided equal financial support for girls' teams in schools, but changed attitudes about female athleticism. But, while an unprecedented number of young girls are now on the fields instead of the stands, few have gone on to become sports leaders.

When Congress passed Title IX 40 years ago, many believed it would be a breakthrough for women and sports. The law not only provided equal financial support for girls' teams in schools, but changed attitudes about female athleticism. But, while an unprecedented number of young girls are now on the fields instead of the stands, few have gone on to become sports leaders.

Abusive Coaching

We have to open our eyes to cruel and unnecessary tactics being used to bring exceptional talent to fruition. Making winning a priority over all else is not good for anyone involved -- coaches, parents and definitely not students -- and ultimately muddies the spirit and joy of healthy competition.

We have to open our eyes to cruel and unnecessary tactics being used to bring exceptional talent to fruition. Making winning a priority over all else is not good for anyone involved -- coaches, parents and definitely not students -- and ultimately muddies the spirit and joy of healthy competition.

The 'New' Midlife Crisis

The 'midlife crisis' has served as fodder for many a Judd Apatow movie, but the reality of the experience is anything but funny. In truth, it's emotionally more complicated and when a true midlife crisis hits, it can wreak havoc for both men and women as well as their families and friends.

The 'midlife crisis' has served as fodder for many a Judd Apatow movie, but the reality of the experience is anything but funny. In truth, it's emotionally more complicated and when a true midlife crisis hits, it can wreak havoc for both men and women as well as their families and friends.

Are Media Moms Bad for Our Health?

From the first signs of baby bumps ("is she or isn't she?") to the days after delivery ("is she too fat or too thin?"), celebrity moms are paraded all over the media as if they were the first to have ever entered the maternal world. What is this obsession really about?

From the first signs of baby bumps ("is she or isn't she?") to the days after delivery ("is she too fat or too thin?"), celebrity moms are paraded all over the media as if they were the first to have ever entered the maternal world. What is this obsession really about?

The Gender Hair Gap

While gender differences have narrowed in so many ways, when it comes to hair loss, the gap remains wide. A clean-shaven head may be commonplace among men, but it continues to be a rare and complicated choice for everyday women. Why is that? And is it likely to change anytime soon?

While gender differences have narrowed in so many ways, when it comes to hair loss, the gap remains wide. A clean-shaven head may be commonplace among men, but it continues to be a rare and complicated choice for everyday women. Why is that? And is it likely to change anytime soon?