AN Aberystwyth University project is examining how women look at each other and the long term impact that can have.

Students have been taking part in real time research to give some valuable insights into “looking” and being “looked at”.

Dr Sarah Riley, Reader in Psychology at Aberystwyth University, said: “When we think of body image concerns more generally we often think of an individual young woman suffering alone. Perhaps with low self-esteem or someone who has distorted perception – a thin woman looking in the mirror and seeing a fat woman.

“Within the psychology department at Aberystwyth University we are looking at body image development as a social process and one aspect of this is looking at ‘looking’. In a recent study we found that looking was important in how young women understood themselves and was central to being recognised as women.

“This can often be tied in with the pressures women put on themselves when dressing up for a night out, for example, and how they then feel they are perceived by others.

Psychology student Audrie Schneller said: “When the other students discussed their experiences it made them realise how often they looked or felt looked at in a judgmental way. They were really surprised to see what a critical culture we live and participate in.

“Even though I expected it, it’s still shocking to see the pressure young women put on one another.”

Dr Riley suggested small steps women can practice to reduce feelings of self-doubt when feeling judged.

“Try and assume the best,” said Sarah. “For example, looks aren’t necessarily negative, they could be admiring, or simply someone lost in thought. Remember to give yourself and other women positive looks and comments, and enjoy a compliment if it comes your way, and challenge an idea that dressing up is where women’s power lies,” she said.