••••6 Independent Self-Construal and Diversity in Connection to Mental Health Canadian Society Beyond clinical symptoms, low self-esteem and distorted body image can also affect daily functioning. These issues may hinder one’s learning, limit educational and career opportunities, suppress expression in schools and workplaces, and negatively affect interpersonal relationships and decision-making. As a result, broader societal outcomes include reduced creativity, limited diversity in workforce participation, and economic losses due to productivity decline and untreated mental health conditions. Cultural norms that celebrate diversity further support this. Walking through city streets, one observes a wide variety of fashion and makeup styles, regardless of body shape or skin color. It is common for people to wear what they like and do makeup when they feel like it—free from judgment. “Being yourself” is not only accepted but seen as a form of individuality worth celebrating. In a multicultural society like Canada, there is no single standard of beauty. Rather, the idea that “everyone has their own kind of beauty” is widely accepted. So, how do these body image perceptions impact mental health? The tendency to prioritize external evaluations, typical of interdependent cultures, often leads to high levels of approval-seeking. This intensifies self-comparison and, ultimately, diminishes self-esteem. Psychological studies have shown that low self-esteem is a significant risk factor for a range of mental health issues (Merino et al., 2024). Here are some common disorders linked to low self-esteem:DepressionAnxiety disorders (including social anxiety disorder)Eating disorders (e.g., binge eating or anorexia)Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)→A condition where individuals experiencesignificant distress over perceived flaws in theirappearance, which may be minor or evennonexistent. As previously noted, Canada is categorized as a “modernist” society that values “independent self-construal.” According to the same Dove survey, 52% of Canadians answered "not confident," meaning that the remaining 48% of girls answered that they are confident about their appearance—compared to just 7% in Japan. This striking difference is rooted in Canadian culture’s emphasis on personal identity: “You are you, and I am me.” In Canada, people are encouraged to evaluate themselves based on how they feel and what they value internally.
元のページ ../index.html#7