Insights from the Appearance Matters 11 Conference
Chidera, a Psychology undergraduate student at Surrey, attended the Appearance Matters 11 Conference in Bristol whilst on her placement year. Here, she tells us about the experience.
"The conference showcased a wide range of shorter research presentations addressing topics such as health promotion, body satisfaction in children, and the influence of gender, religion and culture on body image."
"As part of my undergraduate psychology placement at the Royal Free Hospital, I had the opportunity to attend the Appearance Matters 11 Conference alongside the plastic surgery psychology team. Held over three days, the conference brought together researchers, clinicians and students involved in appearance-based research.
The programme included keynote speakers, short presentations and networking opportunities. Keynotes were delivered by Zali Yager, who reflected on her contributions to the body image movement, and Phyllida Swift, who shared her personal experiences of living with a visible difference. These talks were both compelling and thought-provoking, offering insight into the body image movement and the perspectives of those with a visible difference.
In addition to the keynote speakers, the conference showcased a wide range of shorter research presentations addressing topics such as health promotion, body satisfaction in children, and the influence of gender, religion and culture on body image. Although brief, these presentations provided valuable snapshots of emerging evidence and highlighted the diversity of the research being conducted within the field. Several talks explored niche areas of research that I had not previously encountered, broadening my understanding of both the literature and the different careers within psychological research.
Overall, attending the conference was an enriching and memorable experience. I was able to engage with new research, meet professionals working in the field, and deepen my appreciation for the growing importance of body image research in modern society. I feel fortunate to have attended and believe the experience will inform my academic and professional development."