Fashion and Positive Psychology: Interactions Between Clothing, Mood, Self-Concept, and Well Being

Abstract

This qualitative positive psychology study investigated how women experience clothing and how those experiences interact with their emotions, mood, self-concept, and self-esteem, to understand how clothing can influence well-being. Seven women (ages 21-39) participated in a personal account questionnaire, daily clothing diary, and wardrobe interview. This research demonstrates how clothing can uplift mood, reinforce and validate self-concept, boost self-esteem, and enhance well-being. This research contributes to the converging fields of positive psychology and fashion, expands the knowledge on the psychology of clothing behaviour, and highlights the potential of clothing for well-being, providing insight for psychologists, brand strategists, and marketers.

The New Fashion Consumer

“…By having friends as potential participants, this small sampling represents those who may share the same values and behaviours as myself. In a qualitative study conducted by JulianaScott (2018) she had a similar experience with gathering her friends for interviews. However, she found that for qualitative research it was beneficial to use convenience sampling as it provided rich data.…”