Swimwear Advice from a Psychologist

Obviously no one "likes" trying on bathing suits, unless perhaps your a Victoria Secrets model.. but maybe they have days they feel bloated too( but probably not).


I was reading an article on a new study that found women can slip into a bad mood just from imagining themselves trying on bathing suits. 


Ok, yes..makes sense.. you might be day dreaming about your next shopping expenditure but its still for a bathing suit.


The study links the act of  'imagining yourself wearing a swimsuit' to an increase of self-objectification (which is a psych term for looking and judging yourself based on how you think other people look at you).


Marika Tiggemann, study researcher and psychologist surveyed female undergraduates on different scenarios to test the impact of clothing on self-objectification. 


The study found that imagining wearing a swimsuit in a dressing room made women self-objectify more than a public scenario like wearing a swimsuit while walking down a beach.


Tiggerman explains that a dressing room scene can be more unnerving because of potential objectifying  features like bright lights, lots of mirrors and of course the decision of whether or not you look good enough  to purchase the swimsuit. 


So again, Ok- I get it.. trying on bathing suits is annoying and less fun then strolling on the beach wearing one.. sure, doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out... 


However...


It wasn't the theme of the study that caught my attention.. it was the good doctors advice that blew my mind.


To prevent self-objectification she says to, " avoid mirrors and comparisons with others and focus on activities that emphasize the function, not the appearance of the body.."


Really? That is her professional advice? Just avoid mirrors? Why don't you tell us all- because we all have at least one insecurity with our bodies-that we should throw a brown bag over our heads and avoid life- there are mirrors and reflections everywhere lady! And don't compare yourself with others? OK fine point, but a point I assume we already know but you can't help compare something to something else at some point- its a part of life. Like comparing a new guy to an ex. I like that restaurants Clam chowder more than the others etc...and lastly 'focus' on the swimsuits function and not the appearance? We're not buying gym clothes, if were going to be practically naked the small amount of material we are going to be wearing better be somewhat attractive.


I just hope this is not the kind of advice people pay this doctor for in any one-on-one sessions.. 


Swimsuit season is upon us.. and unless you don't plan on going to the beach or pool you might as well prepare yourself for a less than happy afternoon at the mall ... and here is a tip from me.. wear or bring high heels.. the higher the better they will always make you look taller and slimmer when your trying on suits ( not that I expect you to wear them ON the beach-leave those looks for the Jersey Shore girls-) But while your in the changing rooms it helps-trust me.