Conformity is the act of changing one's behavior to fit a particular social standard or group. This can be positive when it leads to increased self-esteem, better job opportunities, improved health, higher pay, more friends, and lower stress levels.
When conformity becomes excessive or rigid, it produces psychological toll that could impact an individual's overall wellbeing. In this essay, I will discuss how conforming to restrictive norms can lead to negative outcomes such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, decreased creativity, and reduced critical thinking skills.
Depression and Anxiety
Restrictive norms are often associated with high pressure, where individuals feel obligated to follow certain rules and regulations without questioning them. When people constantly conform to these rules, they may experience feelings of guilt and shame if they fail to meet expectations. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. According to a study conducted by Olsen et al. (2015), "people who felt greater pressure to conform were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety." The constant fear of disapproval from others can cause individuals to suppress their thoughts, emotions, and desires, leading to internalized oppression and self-criticism.
Low Self-Esteem
When individuals constantly compare themselves to others and strive to meet societal standards, they may develop a distorted sense of self-worth. They may believe that they are not good enough unless they look, act, or think like the majority. This can lead to low self-esteem, poor body image, and negative self-talk.
Women who conform to beauty norms may have low self-esteem due to the constant comparison between themselves and unrealistic media images. Men who conform to masculinity norms may also struggle with body dysmorphia, which is an obsession with achieving an ideal male physique. This can result in eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.
Decreased Creativity
Restrictive norms limit creativity and individuality because people feel forced to follow set patterns and rules. According to a study by Amabile & Barsade (1998), creativity thrives when there is freedom and flexibility, allowing individuals to explore new ideas and perspectives. When individuals conform too much, they become rigid and inflexible, making it challenging for them to come up with novel solutions or approaches. Conformity also limits social interaction, as people tend to be more comfortable around those who share similar beliefs and values. This can reduce opportunities for innovative thinking and collaboration.
Reduced Critical Thinking Skills
Conforming to restrictive norms can make individuals less critical thinkers. They may accept information without questioning its validity or reliability, leading to biases and misconceptions. In addition, they may hesitate to express dissenting opinions or challenge authority figures, even if they disagree with their views. As a result, individuals may become passive and submissive, unable to form independent thoughts and judgments. This can impact their decision-making skills, problem-solving ability, and overall intelligence.
What psychological toll does conformity to restrictive norms produce?
Conformity can lead to a variety of negative psychological effects, including reduced self-esteem, increased feelings of isolation and loneliness, and decreased creativity and innovation. Additionally, conformity may result in individuals feeling pressured to engage in behaviors that they do not agree with or feel comfortable with, which can have long-term impacts on their mental health.