Recently, there has been an article in the online publication “New York Times” by Lisa Sorgini. Ms. Sorgini who is a practicing psychotherapist claims to have found a relationship between physical appearance and mental health. Specifically, she says that people who are physically attractive (in terms of breast size, height and weight) have higher self esteem, are happier, healthier and live longer than those who are not. She goes on to state that the correlation is significant and meaningful in terms of treating mental health and wellness.
There is no doubt that both Professors Sorgini and her co-author Dr. Steven Hendlin have achieved reputations as some of the world’s foremost authorities on the human condition. In their book, “The National Interest of Peak Youth,” they argue that physical attractiveness and national identity also play important roles in shaping one’s identity. In my opinion, Professors Sorgini and Hendlin overstate the significance of physical appearance and suggest that it is nationality, rather than beauty, which leads to better health and greater happiness. However, it is my contention that Professors Sorgini and her co-author fail to adequately explain how national identity influences health and well-being. This flaw may result in some readers perceiving Professors Sorgini’s and Dr. Hendlin’s arguments as an endorsement of elitism.
The fact is that, to borrow from Professors Sorgini and Dr. Hendlin; “physical attractiveness and nationality do not appear to be related to life-satisfaction or to measures of health and well-being.” For that matter, neither is “height, weight, or breast size independently related to measures of social status or life success.” Further, Professors Sorgini and Hendlin do not discuss psychological or sociological research that indicates that physical attractiveness leads to greater social success. I would submit to you that the psychological or sociological research that they discuss bears this out: taller people tend to be more successful, wealthy, successful, etc. Why is that? Because: A) taller people are seen as more attractive and B) physically attractive people have greater self-confidence, and are better at interacting with others, so they are perceived as more socially competent and successful, and therefore, are perceived as happier with their bodies and with their careers.