Why ugliness is in the eye of the beholder
BERLIN: Are my breasts too small or my legs too heavy? Many women often ask themselves such questions and sometimes even spend days in complete doubt that anything about them is attractive.
Normally, these phases run their course and a peaceful coexistence can again be achieved with one's hooked nose or belly fat.
There are, however, people who have problems getting over such imperfections. A study conducted at the University of Marburg in Germany shows that between 1 percent and 1.5 percent of the population cannot overcome them.
They doubt their own attractiveness so much that it becomes a fear of ugliness, a condition known as dysmorphophobia or dysmorphic disorder.
"Those affected are convinced that their outward appearance is disfigured," says professor Ulrich Stangier, a psychologist at the University of Jena.
In fact, things that dysmorphophobics consider flaws are barely noticed by others. "Dysmorphophobics look at themselves with a distorted perception," says Regine Hungerbuehler, a psychologist in Bern, Switzerland.
"We know that body perception is largely affected by psychological and social experiences," says Ada Borkenhagen, a Berlin-based psychologist. "A disturbance in self-esteem can express itself as an inferiority in particularly parts of the body."
In advanced stages, fear of being rejected makes participating in normal life hardly thinkable.
"Most dysmorphophobics withdraw more and more as the disease advances," Hungerbuehler says.
Their desire to be beautiful drives many dysmorphophobics to undergo cosmetic surgery.
"They adamantly believe their problem is of a physical nature," says Hungerbuehler. Whether they undergo liposuction or breast augmentation, the result is seldom satisfying for people with the condition, Stangier says. Subsequent operations are not unusual, because the psychological strain on dysmorphophobics is intense.
"More than 40 percent of dysmorphophobics have suicidal thoughts," Hungerbuehler says.
Stangier says the condition is often triggered during puberty or early adulthood. The foundation could be set for the condition if during this period additional hardships beyond the normal identity crisis occur, such as expectations set by a perfectionist parent.
"The most important step toward getting over the condition is the recognition that it is a psychological illness," Hungerbuehler says.
If the illness is still in an early stage, sufferers should find a hobby or activity. They should meet friends or take up a sport, which can be especially good at helping improve physical perception.
Relying on willpower or inner strength to heal the condition seldom works. Stangier says most dysmorphophobics need therapy.
"Unfortunately, many psychotherapists are not thoroughly informed about this disorder," he says. In their search for competent professionals, many dysmorphophobics often get discouraging reactions to their problems.
So, experts advise people to consult university clinics for psychologists about the disorder.
DPA
(China Daily 06/27/2007 page19)
