The impact of visual feedback and facial scarring on internal self cognition and self esteem
Citation
(2016) The impact of visual feedback and facial scarring on internal self cognition and self esteem, no. 52.
Abstract
This study explored the impact of simulating facial scars and providing the opportunity for
self-viewing in a mirror on self-cognition and self-esteem. Application of theatrical facial scars
altered responses to personality questionnaire items; participants became less extraverted, more
neurotic and less open to experiences. The mirror and the scar independently damaged
participant's state self-esteem for performance and social self-esteem. An important finding
was that global self-esteem and state appearance self-esteem was lowered by the mirror and
scar independently but the scar had an increased impact on both self-esteem measurements
when a mirror was provided for self-viewing the facial scar. Therefore self-viewing amplified
this influence. This study thus demonstrates that self-perception of visual change can directly
impact self-esteem. It is also discussed how these findings can be practically applied to help
understand the psychological effects of visual change in disfigurement and how selfobservation
in mirrors may intensify this.