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Psychology
Even though two-thirds of men will, at some point in their adult life, experience male pattern baldness, there are certainly feelings of self-consciousness, anxiety and awkwardness that are, in fact, quite common to this condition.
Again, this may seem somewhat obvious, but generally, there are several factors that are immediately identifiable, as well as secondary effects:
- lowered self-esteem, stemming primarily from a lowered feeling of attractiveness
- perceived future ridicule resulting from ineffective treatments
- concerns about aging
Hair is an important
indicator in many societies of youth and vigor. Feelings of anxiety related
to this problem are therefore natural. One may worry and fuss about particular
hair care habits they have, while remaining ignorant to the true causes.
Thus, they continue to feel stress and anxiety due to lowered self-perceptions
of their image.
As soon as any type of condition begins to interfere with the way you live your life, it can be considered a problem. Though these psychological side-effects of hair loss are common, most men attempt to shrug off the feelings of anxiety instead of addressing the issue. While it is difficult to come to terms with hair loss, there is no need to suffer both physically and psychologically.
North American society, in particular, places great value in physical appearance, whether rightly or wrongly. Nevertheless, the moment you begin to feel anxiety and emotional stress from a change in your appearance, you are unsatisfied with your bodily image. It is fully acceptable to want to do something about it.
Studies
Below you will find results of studies that were performed to assess the
effects of balding.
The first study looks at initial social perceptions of baldness.
Men and women
subjects were shown pictures of balding and non-balding men. The men had
similar physical characteristics except some had lost much of their hair.
The author noted that people typically make assumptions about others based
on their physical appearances, and this frequently influences the future
relationship. He describes this as the “what is beautiful is good”
stereotype.
This study confirmed that the absence or presence of male pattern baldness did influence the subjects’ impressions of the men. Balding men were perceived less favorably including being judged “less physically, personally, and socially desirable”.
Researchers have performed multiple studies to examine the psychological effect baldness has on the person experiencing the balding. A study by the same researcher noted above showed that many balding men felt that the balding process was stressful. These men complained of:
- teasing from others
- a preoccupation with future balding
- worries about how others viewed them
- feelings of diminished attractiveness
- diminished quality of life
Another study found that 25% of men with male pattern baldness found their hair loss to be very disturbing while 62% described it as moderately disturbing.
Similar studies of women with female pattern baldness noted even greater psychological distress then for men. Twice as many balding women were very disturbed by their hair loss when compared to balding men. Women with hair loss felt more:
- anxiety
- helplessness
- feelings of decreased attractiveness
- feelings of a diminished quality of life