I don't like the way I look: The tyranny of normative discontent

Rumsey, Nichola

Abstract

Significant levels of dissatisfaction with appearance have been reported in more than 70% of the population. This talk will offer a brief overview of the evidence relating to the impacts of this 'normative discontent' on the psychological wellbeing and physical health of those affected and of current understanding about the psychological factors motivating people to seek appearance enhancing surgery. Recent research has shed some light on the short-term impacts of cosmetic surgery and on the psychological risk factors for poor post-operative satisfaction. Ways of embedding effective pre-operative screening and postoperative follow-up into routine care will be discussed.

Citation

Rumsey, N. (2015, June). I don't like the way I look: The tyranny of normative discontent. Paper presented at Professionals, Practitioners and Beauty Norms: ‘Beauty Demands’ project, Nuffield Council on Bioethics, London, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Professionals, Practitioners and Beauty Norms: ‘Beauty Demands’ project, Nuffield Council on Bioethics
• Conference Location: London, UK
• Start Date: Jun 3, 2015
• End Date: Jun 4, 2015
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2015
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: body image, appearance, normative image
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/833852
• Publisher URL: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/generic/beauty/news/2015/workshop2report.aspx
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : Professionals, Practitioners and Beauty Norms: ‘Beauty Demands’ project, Nuffield Council on Bioethics