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!
Patient Comment: Breast Enlargement
July 13th, 2011
Katherine writes:
I am celebrating the 1 year anniversary of my breast implants and couldn’t be happier with the results! My only regret is that I waited so long to finally look like I’m not 12 years old! Want to thank Dr. Bashioum and his wonderful staff for a job well done. They made me and my husband feel totally comfortable and at ease with the entire process and we couldn’t be more pleased! Such fun to have the personal feeling of confidence in myself!
A million thanks to all! 🙂
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