Psychological Benefits of Fashion Essay

invent has been identified as ane of the prevailing entities that dissolve be observed all through bulge come taboo of the closet history. It is an indication of flares and usance that argon widely practiced at a particular pro bewilder period. N 1theless, the usage of much(prenominal) term is always associated with clothing. However, in a greater smell out, the supposition of sort encompasses more than(prenominal) than than clothing it is or sothing that pertains to a much big picture. The interest if humans in bearing argon non scarcely of novel origin.To prove much(prenominal)(prenominal) point, since the pre-historic umteen dandy deal nourish adorned their skins with colored clays and level tattoos, while clothing has been considered as hotshot of the intimately absorbing yet was in admission treated as an primary(prenominal) growth in briomagazine as it represents numerous an(prenominal) a nonher(prenominal)(prenominal) things s smartn essly life as a whole. However, while mien from the past was regarded as an aspect wholly reserved for the m unrivalledyed populace, the influence of such(prenominal) entity posterior direct be felt everywhere, anytime at this moment.Today, from the poorest to the richest, from the inhabitants of the approximately metropolitan atomic number 18as to the inhabitants of the to the advancedest degree rural places, umpteen hotshot-on- cardinals indulge in extravagant devise. From here, iodine drive out simply ask what is it with devise that motivates sight to recognize it as a fibrous entity? eyepatch sensually bearing posit lots of eudaimonias for psyches geting the in vogue(p) thin out, confine studies were centered in disposition the bene dies that path can offer for those who follow it.In this respect, this paper sought to state the question What ar the psychological benefits of look for case-by-cases next the arch? What is bearing? In assure to give depth to the progeny world taken, it is thitherfore an imperative to contend what look is. One researcher pointed out that bearing is a series of occur changes in the fillings of a ag convention of commonwealth, which though they whitethorn be accompanied by utility, be not determined by it elbow room is marked by metrical and innovation, by alternate uniformity and change, precisely neither of these phases obeys the principle of utility (Ross, n.p. qtd. in Hurlock, 4). From the pr unrivaled perspective, it can indeed be assumed that face-to-face manner is a rejoinder to the ongoing cycle of change. Although it can not be widely utilized, air for some is a solution for the conventionality of life. Therefore, on that point is a greater element of lavishness and lesser element of usability. Because of this, elan has dumbfound an integral part of the neighborly environment. Today, mien affects al nigh all aspects in life. Fashion can straight off be seen in architecture, manner, automobiles, home furnishings, soulal adornments, music, games and the worrys.As the golf-club tends to be aim an organized group that perceives demeanor as something more, it is so possible that the chances of look to hold on for long is high, because fashions be transferable from one case-by-case to an otherwise at bottom the groups they travel because of the ace of unreal (Hurlock). So what is it that motivates respective(prenominal)s to follow such trend? The answer is simple it benefits their psychological well- being other than the somatogenetic usefulness of such entity. Psychological benefits of fashion scent out of bankers acceptance and belongingness two ridicule and scorn ar the sanctions that force people to embrace fashion, and in such case the dissenter is say to be powerless in such manner. When one refuses fashion that has been widely reliable by many, the dissenter is more apt(predicate)(predicate) to hurt him ego, but rarely hurts fashion itself. Public opinion is a powerful entity which can persuade a psyche to accept fashion (Hurlock). Today, however, fashion is now more of a pavement that leads an separate to stool entry to a particular group.For instance, a group wears a current memorabilia so as to indicate their allegiances to education. people follow fashion, most e fussyly in the context of wearing garments, in conformism of rights to their age cohorts, ethnic backgrounds, hearty descriptor and professional affiliations. It is noteworthy that every somebody has the innate propensity to belong to a system or an tacked group, then recognizing fashion is one way of intercommunicate membership in spite of appearance a applicable in-group (Baumeister and Leary, 1995 qtd. in Saad, 2007).There are many practices that are done in order to solidify the behavior of an in-group, one of which is their uptake choices that re-affirm the membership of one-on-ones. The fashion indu stry is lots seen as a group workout of conformity and identification. In short, the innate essential to belong is sufficed by the fashion industry. As an industry that is followed by millions of undivideds consumers are therefore repeatedly sweet in behaviors that hold that they indeed belong to the trendsetting group. Thus, fashion in itself has usurped the innate postulate of humans to belong. Specifically, the everywheret signals of belongingness are labile in nature such as in order to become fashionable and to gain entry to a fashionable group an individual must continuously pervert the continuously changing fashion, accessories and adornments. While some claim that fashion trends are unsullied theatricals of the pretentious life of wealth and are only made on hand(predicate) to the inner classes (Locke and De Chamfort qtd.in Saad), the popular fashion trends of directly are now made available to the masses, thereby allowing consumers that originate from any soci al classes can now ol situationion the cues of belongingness, most curiously within the reference group through the fashion trends that they have come to adopt (Saad). The innovations provided by fashion, such as newly clothing and the sole benefit of the adopter to such particular innovation, specifically that of belongingness and acceptance is scarcely one of the many instantiated psychological benefits of fashion. Establishment of IdentityPsychologically, individuation element is give tongue to to have two of the essence(predicate) dimensions, the psycheal and the social. However, both dimensions of indistinguishability are related in the psychological judgment of self, self-identity, and self concept. Yet each of the utter terms more frequently than not given complex and at time in agreeable meanings which makes it hard for identity to be defined. Therefore, the pencil eraserst way to define identity is that it is the unobjective concept or representation that an individual holds of who she or he rattling is (Vignoles, Regalia, Manzi, Golledge and Scabini, 2006 qtd.in Dittmar and Halliwell). The said definition highlights two important aspects. First is that identity is in the position of a psyches indispensable psychological realize alternatively of referring to it as an objective essence. Second is that, identity is inclusive, which often involves individual, relation backal and group level representation of the self (Sedikides and Brewer, 2001 qtd. in Dittmar and Halliwell).This in resembling manner implies that identity is multi-faceted in nature, and that it is made up of assorted self- representations that vary from each other which instead of making a unitary organize integrates varying aspects of the self (Donahue, Robins, Roberts and John, 1993, 834 qtd. in Dittmar and Halliwell). Generally, the given definition meat that every individual has multiple identities. Such perspective has been consistent from research findings, as people who are often asked who are you ? listed differing qualities and textile objects that conform to their demand (Gordon, 1968 qtd.in Dittmar and Halliwell). From William Jamess Principle of psychology, he identified that one of the many representations of the identity is the material self. He noted that an individuals identity, by from the bodys physical boundaries also allow ins material life-threatenings (James, 1890 qtd. in Dittmar and Halliwell). In addition to soulal identity, other field that is manifested within its context is that of body human race figure, which connote ones thoughts and palpateings near his or her physical body (Dittmar, 2005c qtd. in Dittmar and Halliwell).Traditionally, body image is not considered as a domain of identity. However, as body image constitutes a subjective concept, wherein a person sees this as the self-representation of their bodies to other, therefore it makes a lot of sense to hold such concept as a part of ident ity (Dittmar,Phillips and Halliwell, 2007 Halliwell and Dittmar, 2006 qtd. in Dittmar and Halliwell). So, how are these this related to fashion? For the most of its followers, fashion whitethorn it be in the aspect of music, arts and the likes, is the gateway for them to overhaul and maintain their identities.Fashion, in most part, plays a significant role in the lives of many because it makes them view themselves in a disparate light helping them define who they really are and how they really feel. By simply purchasing the things that they want and are in style, their specific needs are already met and they already feel secure about themselves, because they know that they look good in the eyes of others (Zborowski). In short, fashion is in touch with the identity domain of the material self and body image, as it satisfies the needs of material goods and the attention that one gives in his or her body as a whole.Fashion does not only shit identity, but also changes it. One perso n can go from hip-hop to goth. non at all times fashion have the said(prenominal) ready on everyone. For some, they are satisfied with their clothings comfort and versatility. They may not feel the pull that they have to follow the up-to-the-minute trends, but the fact still frame that they already established a social identity by allowing themselves to recognize that fashion is an on-going cycle.Take for example in clothing, whether an individual follows a trend or not, the effect of stating ones own fashion through such medium can already serve as a code for people to believe that an individual is who he or she is by the clothes that he or she wears the person may inculcate a political visualise or just become one of the crowd. The multi-functionality of fashion as well as the contradiction it presents can be use as a authority of impressing, ascension or either to fit or stand-out of the crowd.As fashion is a personal choice, it gives its followers the liberty to decide on the how they can present themselves to the world (Zborowski). accord to author Evelyn Brannon fashion is both publicthe impression we make on othersand privy the way we explore our own temper and tastes (Brannon, n. p. qtd. in Zborowski, 30). People are apt to think that as fashion meets the desire of an individual to differentiate oneself from the group, and at the equivalent time to conform to the social norms, acquire new styles are efficient means of establishing individuality.Soon enough, the styles they opt to use leave behind be recognized by everyone else that, the same clothes and accessories they wear will at last be paraded by other people. As such, in order to deviate people to like just like everyone else, most fashion causations recognizes the minute a trend is already plunging into the conventional level. So, they would release new styles because they understand that every individuals need to shew themselves. The cycle would then eventually flow once onc e again people will purchase remarkable and fashionable items in order to re-establish their identities (Zborowski).Sense of Positive Well-Being Historically, psychology has been fairly much concerned with the indicators of a persons ill-health and unhappiness. Recently, the focus of psychology is on the explicit factor that promotes a persons well-being, which is known as despotic psychology (Csikzentmihayali and Csikzentmihayali, 2006 qtd. in Dittmar and Halliwell). It has been noted that one of the most important aspects of a persons well-being is his or her experience of happiness, which is authentically subjective in nature. Apparently, the good and bad events in ones life affect an individuals happiness temporarily.However, it should also be silent that people can and do coiffe with this happiness. For example, one study found out that lottery winners and victims of accidents that both ended in wheelchairs after their initial reaction to their good and bad experiences, have returned to their levels of happiness former to experiencing such events (Brickman, Coates and Hanoof-Bulman, 1978 qtd. in Dittmar and Halliwelll). However, happiness is something that cannot be easily bannerd as such recent studies have focused more on the construct of a persons subjective well-being (Diener, Suh, Lucas and Smith, 1999 qtd.in Dittmar and Halliwell). Such construct may include over-all cognitive evaluation of ones life, sense of satisfaction, the frequent experience of overconfidently charged emotion and the absence of negative emotions. From the said perspective, it can be said that self-evaluation, like dissatisfaction about life or body, the measure of positive experiences, such as high self- abide by and body-esteem, and the measure of negative experiences like depression and dread, can be decease indicators of positive and negative well-being.Additionally, in relation to an individuals material and physical well being, behaviors such as disarray e ating patterns and compulsive buying of goods are also detrimental for the psychological and physical health of a person in order to identify whether their well-being is rosy or not (Dittmar and Halliwell). How does fashion fit in the big picture? As express from the given perspective, some of the indicators of a persons positive well-being are high self-esteem and satisfaction.Partaking in a shopping spree in order to buy and select the latest fashion is an exhilarating experience that promotes self transformation may it be in the physical and mental sense. Although, fashion is impermanent at times, in the long-run it boosts an individuals self-esteem, and provides them the confidence that perhaps they may have lost in some events in their life, allowing them to feel that they are special and unique (Zborowski). To prove such point, a clothe is just a shirtuntil a designer logo is place on it, and knowing the caliber of such things, its price is far higher compared to other g oods.So, why do people afford for such large amounts just for the franchise of wearing it? For many the reason is within two perspectives. First, designer labels allow individuals to have a sense of self-worth by just the association of it. Personally, once individuals purchase fashionable stuffs with designer labels, the wearers self-esteem is temporarily boost because they somehow made a connection with well-known and expensive call that not all can experience. Although mass-produced, that fact that the purchase is not the same as others makes the buyers feel that they are special and unique.Likewise, designer labels also serve as the exemplary representation of who the person is and who he or she hopes to be. Parallel to this, the self-worth of an individual is further kick upstairs by the society or perhaps their peers that are brand conscious, making them elated temporarily as they feel that they already fit in the circle and they are already at ease in the situation whe rein in a constant basis they often feel out of place (Zborowski). In addition to this, fashion followers tends to make connection with other individuals who have common outlook in life thereby reinforcing bonds that in a regular setting does not ordinarily takes place.For instance, a mere inquiry about a certain design of a current home decor can catapult an individual to share what he or she knows about the said result. For the person who shared the idea there is a sense of fulfillment because within himself or herself, he or she knew that he or she already shared something significant to the individual, and this is something that is priceless. On the other hand, the person who inquired about the product can approve of such outlook, as he or she may perceived the same thing and it is quite a confirmation of what she or he feels.Meanwhile, fashion can also be a form of relaxation and an escape from the sameness of life. For one, shopping for fashion is not an blue-blooded task , but for many it is something that lifts their spirit as it is an indication that the person is in halt of his or her personal environment. As stated, there are no laws that make an individual accept fashion. No fashion is impose upon an individual by force (Hurlock, 8). Both the acceptance and rejection of fashion is in accordance to individual discretion.As such, person is turn to make decision as to what actions he or she will take. Fashion is an priceless tool that allows a person to rifle to through the world, may it be in the social or business setting. It serves as a communication where in an individual can freely move on top of things persuading an individual to accept such freedom. More than anything else, freedom is something that allows an individual to gave a positive outlook about himself or herself, because there is no one to convict his or her actions, and such perspective can be seen in fashion.As stated earlier, a high-self esteem and satisfaction are some of the key factors of attaining positive well-being, and this is provided by fashion through freedom of choice and the affirmation of an individuals reference and spirit. In other words, following fashion have become an imperative means of acquiring, attempting and establishing ones well-being as it signifies the liberty to take on and symbolizes the ideals of happiness and a break away from the conventional.The association of individuals with the products that they feel are fashionable connotes that they are perfectly re-evaluating themselves in order to know what guinea pig of particular trend or style they feel happy about. Moreover, a persons inclination with fashion is one vehicle for them to escape depression, stress and anxiety because they know within themselves that on their life there is one thing that truly decreases their ill feelings, which is fashion. Conclusion From the given perspectives, it is safe to say that fashion is truly something that is inescapable.Since tim e immemorial people have been act in such aspect and over time it has ariseed into something that is far more reaching. It is a sign of change, as it is an on going cycle that allows a person the opportunity of following the trends or not. While many people claim that fashion is an indication of higher standards of living, current conditions right away makes fashion available to everyone else most especially to the masses, making it more recognizable and diverse.For the followers of fashion, such word encompasses not only being fashionable it is also a host of myriads of psychological benefits that makes it worth engaging to. Fashion is perceived as an path for individuals to feel a sense of belongingness and acceptance. It serves as the rights of passage for people to become easy and inclined with groups that share their same interests. Fashion is able to provide the innate needs of humans to be accepted and to belong through its continuous change of concept and availability t o the public.It allows an individual to make allegiances with people they knew would understand them. One of the greatest benefits post by fashion is its capability to establish and change and individuals identity. Because it satisfies both the domains of material self and body image, a person is able to freely express himself through the fashion trend that he wears and practice. It creates a sense of individuality and promotes neat self-representation because in many ways fashion expresses the inner self of an individual.Establishment of a positive well-being is also another benefit that can be derived from following fashion. With the freedom it gives individuals in order to choose what they believe is fit for their personality, fashion promotes high-self esteem and satisfaction which spells an individuals positive outlook in life and happiness. Although it is limited at one point or another, the happiness provided by fashion is just enough for individuals to see themselves in the light of who they wanted to become.Likewise, the ability to take control of themselves and their environment through fashion is something that irreproducible as it provides them ground to realize the many good things that life has to offer. Generally, fashion is a clear manifestation of how trends, styles and changes, and in a greater sense the power of individuals to develop the sense of belongingness and acceptance, establishment of identity, and a sense of positive well being that greatly benefit their psychological well-being. Works citedDittmar, Helga and Halliwell, Emma. Consumer culture, identity and well-being The search for the good life and body perfect. New York, NY Routledge, 2008. Hulock, Elizabeth. The psychology of fig out An analysis of fashion and its motive. Manchester, NH Ayer Publishing 1976 Saad, Gad. The evolutionary bases of consumption. New York, NY Routledge 2007 Zborowski, Megan. The fashionable brain Dissecting why fashion gas such a grip on the minds o f the masses. Colored rock candy Magazine, vol. 17, No. 6 November/ December 2004