Body image boost: "You're nice."
New research shows that simply giving another woman a compliment can boost her body image. And it doesn't even have to be a crazily effusive, "Your stomach is so toned!" or "You have the most honey-colored eyes I've ever seen!" A simple ""You're a nice-looking person" or "You sound like a nice person" will work just as well.
Courtney Fea, MS, of Kansas State University presented this research at the American Psychological Society's 17th Annual Convention in LA. One hundred and eighty five female college students were individually brought into a room where a female "evaluator" pretended to scrutinize the volunteer's looks. Next, the "evaluator" asked the student volunteer about personal interests, like hobbies. Lastly, each student received a scripted compliment - either: "Thank you for participating in this study" (neutral); "You sound like a nice person" (character-related); or "You're a nice-looking person" (appearance-related.)
After filling out questionnaires about mood their and body image, researchers found that it didn't matter if the compliment focused on th volunteers' character or appearance; both resulted in a body image boost.
So starting today, tell someone - anyone - that she has a nice voice...that she did a great job on that report....that she taught a refreshing yoga class...that she looks beautiful in blue. You'll make a fellow female feel good about herself and it'll come back to ya, baby!
Comments
What a great post! There is so much negative reinforcement out there that it is nice to hear something positive - that something as simple as a few kind words can have such a boosting effect.
Thank you for posting this :)
I love doing this - it's so fun to make someone's day with a simple little comment; and I love when others do the same for me. What a great reminder - I am going to try to find a person or two to compliment tomorrow. (-:
Hoorah for random acts of kindness!
I used to just notice things I liked about a person - cute shoes, a tie, etc. But now I make it a point to tell them - its a great to start a conversation and meet new people. I also feel better because I made someone else feel good. I felt a little dorky at first, but I can tell it has improved my confidence.
