Allina Health psychologist examines the connection between mental health and beauty standards

[KARE11 News, May 04, 2024] After learning a recent study showed 40% of women and girls felt pressured to change how they look based on what they’ve seen on social media, KARE 11 News invited Allina Health psychologist Sarah Paper, LP, PsyD to talk about how standards of beauty impact mental health.

Dr. Paper said more than anything, the emphasis on beauty makes girls and women believe how they look is what is most important. She says there are simple changes all of us can make to de-emphasize beauty standards, while celebrating the many other positive attributes a person may have.