Research at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR)

Visible difference is a physical appearance that is different to the societal norm. People may have a visible difference as a result of:

• a congenital condition (eg cleft lip and/or palate or a birth mark)
• following injury (eg burns)
• medical treatment (eg surgery for cancer)
• skin conditions (eg vitiligo).

Many people with a visible difference live fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, some do experience psychological and/or social challenges relating to their appearance.

We're dedicated to working with people who have a visible difference to better understand:

• Psychosocial needs of people with appearance concerns
• Factors contributing to adjustment to cleft lip and/or palate
• Interventions for children, young people and adults affected by an altered appearance due to burns, cancer treatment, or other conditions or injuries
• Decision-making about breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

In a society obsessed with appearance, there is an awareness that the way we think and feel about our bodies is central to our health and wellbeing.

Working with a range of age ranges, countries and theoretical approaches to body image research, we engage in projects concerned with:

• Eating disorder prevention and weight-related concerns
• Psychological factors motivating people to seek cosmetic surgery and expectations of outcome
• Positive body image
• Objectification
• Social and cultural influences on body image (peers, family, mass and social media)
• Evidence-based interventions to promote positive body image and acceptance of diversity in appearance in schools, community settings, media and social policy.