Questão 9 - IDOMED Medicina - online 23/11 2026/1

Effects of vanity on mental health and personal relationships

 

06 July 2024

 

(1^st §) Vanity is a human trait that has been explored and criticized throughout history. It manifests itself in excessive concern about appearance, the constant search for recognition and valuing oneself based on the judgment of others. It is not a new phenomenon. In ancient Greece, for example, philosophers such as Socrates and Plato criticized vanity as a character flaw.

(2^nd §) From a psychological perspective, vanity can be seen as a manifestation of insecurity and a need for external validation. Vain people often seek the approval of others to feel valuable and selfconfident. Moreover, this need for recognition may be a result of negative things that happened in someone´s life, such as lack of approval or rejection in childhood. Actually, vain people often seek attention and praise from others, whether through their achievements, appearance, or social status.

(3^rd §) In the digital age, social media has also amplified vanity. Many people use social media platforms to present an idealized image of themselves, seeking likes, comments, and followers as a form of validation. The pressure to maintain a perfect and attractive image on social media can lead to vain behavior and excessive concern about self-image.

(4^th §) Although vanity may seem like an expression of self-confidence, it is often a sign of insecurity and low self-esteem. Vain people rely on external approval to feel good about themselves, which can lead to fragile and fluctuating self-esteem. The constant search for recognition can create a feeling of emptiness and a dependence on external validation. And excessive concern about appearance and recognition can lead to stress and anxiety. Vain people may feel constant pressure to meet standards of beauty and success, which can result in anxiety and stress. This pressure can negatively impact their mental health and overall well-being.

(5^th §) One way to counteract vanity is to truly love who you are and be authentic. Learning to value yourself, rather than seeking external validation, can lead to greater self-esteem and wellbeing. Authenticity in relationships and self-expression can foster more genuine and meaningful connections with others.

Available at: https://xn--soar-hqa.co/en/effects-of-vanity-on-mental-health-and-personal-relationships. Accessed in: August 30th, 2025.(Adapted).

Moreover, this need for recognition may be a result of negative things that happened in someone´s life, such as lack of approval or rejection in childhood. Actually, vain people often seek attention and praise from others, whether through their achievements, appearance, or social status. (2^nd §)

 

The underlined words can be replaced, without significant change in meaning, by the following expressions: