Psychologists from Ohio State University found that the biggest blow to our self-esteem comes not from others' glossy ideals, but from our own old photographs. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

What the new study showed

A new study showed that when people compare their current body with how it was in their youth or before gaining weight, they experience just as much stress as when comparing themselves to supermodels.

Scientists note that this habit, underestimated in psychology, acts as a powerful trigger for eating disorders, especially in women.

The lead author's view

«There is a huge amount of literature devoted to social comparison, especially in the field of body perception and eating disorders, and practically nothing about comparison with oneself,» says the lead author of the study, Tracy Tylka.

A special questionnaire was developed

To fix this, the team of scientists developed a special 11-item questionnaire — the Self-Objectification and Comparison Scale for Appearance (SOCS-A).

To test the accuracy of the new instrument, the researchers conducted surveys in two independent groups of Americans. Subsequent statistical analysis of the responses allowed the scientists to divide this phenomenon into two types: comparing oneself with the «better» version from the past (which more often causes shame and eating disorders) and with the «worse» version (which, on the contrary, increases pride in the work done on oneself).

Gender difference

The testing also revealed a gender difference. It turned out that women are far more likely than men to undermine their self-esteem by comparing themselves with their own younger and thinner photos.

What to consider in psychological help

The authors of the study believe that this factor must be taken into account in psychological help for people experiencing changes in appearance, including those related to aging, weight change and other life stages.

Earlier, «Kursiv» told how to cope with childhood crises without shouting and punishment.

If the article causes you anxiety, discuss it with an artificial psychologist.