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Beauty Sick

How the cultural obsession with appearance hurts girls and women.

Gender
The Gender Gap in Negotiation May Start Very Young

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on January 24, 2021

When it comes to asking for what they think they deserve, by age 8 girls are already more hesitant to negotiate with a male experimenter than a female experimenter, a new study finds.

When it comes to asking for what they think they deserve, by age 8 girls are already more hesitant to negotiate with a male experimenter than a female experimenter, a new study finds.

Career
3 Ways to Feel Better Right Now

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on November 1, 2020

Emotional distress can be paralyzing. The good news is that researchers have documented several techniques that can give you an immediate mood boost.

Emotional distress can be paralyzing. The good news is that researchers have documented several techniques that can give you an immediate mood boost.

Gender
Do Ads for Sexy Halloween Costumes Target Young Girls?

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on October 7, 2020

Sexy Halloween costumes aren't just sold to women. New research shows how outfits for young girls are more likely to be sexualized than those for boys.

Sexy Halloween costumes aren't just sold to women. New research shows how outfits for young girls are more likely to be sexualized than those for boys.

Eating Disorders
COVID-19 May Be Making Eating Disorders Worse

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on September 24, 2020

A new study suggests that pandemic-related stress and lockdowns can exacerbate the symptoms of eating disorders, especially among the already vulnerable.

A new study suggests that pandemic-related stress and lockdowns can exacerbate the symptoms of eating disorders, especially among the already vulnerable.

Eating Disorders
Orthorexia: Healthy Eating or an Eating Disorder?

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on August 27, 2020

Because it is more socially acceptable to focus on healthy eating than it is to have an eating disorder, "orthorexia" may be a way for some to mask anorexia.

Because it is more socially acceptable to focus on healthy eating than it is to have an eating disorder, "orthorexia" may be a way for some to mask anorexia.

Media
Women Think Men Desire Skinny Models. They’re Wrong.

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on August 8, 2020

New research shows that women believe men think fashion models have the ideal body shape. In reality, both men and women tend to believe fashion models are too thin.

New research shows that women believe men think fashion models have the ideal body shape. In reality, both men and women tend to believe fashion models are too thin.

Anxiety
Exercise as a Tool for Managing Anxiety

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on June 27, 2020

The research is clear that exercise, whether alone or combined with other treatments, can be a great way to reduce anxiety—and it can make you feel better almost immediately.

The research is clear that exercise, whether alone or combined with other treatments, can be a great way to reduce anxiety—and it can make you feel better almost immediately.

Body Image
How Yoga Improves Body Image

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on June 6, 2020

A large body of research now suggests that yoga — when practiced under the right conditions — can facilitate a sense of positive embodiment.

A large body of research now suggests that yoga — when practiced under the right conditions — can facilitate a sense of positive embodiment.

Memes
Stop Body Shaming During the Outbreak

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on March 24, 2020

Be gentle with the people on your social media feed and with yourself. Instead of focusing on weight gain, take this opportunity to show compassion to your body.

Be gentle with the people on your social media feed and with yourself. Instead of focusing on weight gain, take this opportunity to show compassion to your body.

Body Image
Warnings That Images Are Digitally Altered? Don’t Bother

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on August 23, 2019

A new study finds warning that fashion ads have been digitally altered to improve models’ appearance does not help women’s body image or make the images seem less realistic.

A new study finds warning that fashion ads have been digitally altered to improve models’ appearance does not help women’s body image or make the images seem less realistic.

Bias
Is Anti-Fat Bias Making People Sick?

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on July 31, 2019

Scientists conclude that weight-based stigma and discrimination explain part of the link between obesity and negative health outcomes.

Scientists conclude that weight-based stigma and discrimination explain part of the link between obesity and negative health outcomes.

Media
The #nofilter Lie

Renee Engeln Ph.D. on July 23, 2019

Instagrammers often use the hashtag #nofilter to communicate the authenticity of their photos. But recent research suggests the #nofilter claim is frequently a lie.

Instagrammers often use the hashtag #nofilter to communicate the authenticity of their photos. But recent research suggests the #nofilter claim is frequently a lie.