The Halo Effect: Power of First Impressions
August 4th, 2011
Are first impressions important? Do attractive people have an unfair advantage? According to the halo effect, while not a fair or necessarily an accurate assessment, first impressions are indeed very powerful. When people receive positive visual messages and cues from a pleasing appearance, they will assume that other aspects about you are equally as positive. This compounding effect is referred to as the halo effect.
Solomon Asch, the human behaviorist who is considered an early pioneer of social psychology is well-know for research in this area. The results of his famous study suggest that attractiveness is a central trait, so we take it another step further to presume all the other traits of an attractive person are just as attractive and sought after. The linking of disconnected traits is the basis for making first impressions and why they are so hard to overcome.
As silly as it seems, results from a more recent study by Bryn Mawr College confirms his earlier research. As a cosmetic surgeon, I make a living helping people improve their appearance. I do believe in the notion that when you look good, you often feel better, but I find it fascinating that the perceptions of appearance and physical beauty also involve the unconscious. I’ll think twice now about running up to the grocery store in my dirty gardening clothes, lest I be judged too harshly!
Boomers Consider Nipntucks
August 1st, 2011
77 million baby boomers aged 47-65 are having birthdays this year in the United States. According to the Associated Press and a recent poll by Life Goes Strong, baby boomers expect to live their golden years in style, by looking good and staying fit.
Fox News highlights several of these new findings. 1 in 5 baby boomers already have had cosmetic surgery or would consider having surgery. Among this group not opposed to a little nipntuck, about half say they might improve their tummy or eyes. Turkey neck or the saggy chin is the next biggest worry, where nearly 40 percent would consider getting that fixed.
Many boomers, especially women, are actively taking small steps to look younger. Not surprisingly, a quarter of the women report paying more than $25 for anti-aging treatments, including various lotions and potions.
It is interesting to note that almost all baby boomers, or upwards of 90 percent indicate that they have tried to eat better to improve their health. I include myself in this group, because we now have the science and technology to live longer, so it makes sense to stay fit and live a purposeful life. Why not enjoy the benefit of hanging around awhile longer?
Follow Us!
