Very few people are truly unconcerned about their appearance, but some care much more than others. Regardless of their natural attractiveness, certain people may feel compelled to achieve a more appealing appearance, a goal that does not come inexpensively. To explore this topic, we asked people whether they agreed with the statement, “You spend a significant amount of money on your appearance.”
A minority of respondents agreed (38%), but some trends emerged relating to certain traits. The Mind aspect seemed to correlate most significantly, with Extraverted personality types agreeing much more (47%) than Introverted ones (29%). These were apparently not the only influential factors, however, so let’s take a look at the data.
Roles
Diplomats (42% agreeing)
This consensus-oriented Role agreed the most, perhaps due to their desire to connect with people and form good relationships. Diplomats understand that their first introduction to others is visual and might take greater care to create a good impression – not necessarily out of vanity, but rather to establish social compatibility. These personality types aren’t trying to outdo others, but to show the most appealing version of themselves.
Analysts (39%)
This strategically minded Role came in second, which may reflect their tendency toward meticulousness. Analysts might feel that excellent results require investment and be a bit more willing to spend money on their appearance. Notably, the single personality type to agree the most was the Turbulent Commander (ENTJ-T) (69%). This type may be especially aware of the power of appearance, as they tend to have a leadership mentality. Creating an impressive appearance could help them gain the respect and cooperation of others. (Just think Lady Mary Crawley from Downton Abbey.)
Sentinels (35%)
This Role might have been less in agreement because their Observant trait makes these personalities a little more comfortable with the way they already look. Intuitive types, by comparison, may experiment cosmetically more frequently, with higher associated costs. Sentinels as a group are highly practical, and once they have achieved their appearance goals, they may not feel the need to change as often.
Explorers (32%)
This Role agreed the least overall, which, as with Sentinels, may relate to their Observant trait. Add to that the Explorers’ tendency toward nonconformity, and it makes sense that they’re less likely to spend a lot to enhance their appearance. These personality types may be happier browsing at a thrift store than purchasing exclusive pieces at a high-end boutique.
Strategies
Social Engagement (55% agreeing)
As noted earlier, Extraversion correlated to higher rates of agreement from respondents that they spend a significant amount of money on their appearance. Extraverts may have social goals that they believe will be more easily achieved if people like the way they look, so they spend more on their appearance. The Social Engagement Strategy is not only socially oriented, but is also characterized by the Turbulent Identity, which heightens concerns about the judgements others may make. These personality types want to make a good impression, and their sometimes shaky self-confidence motivates them to seek more enhancements to their appearance.
People Mastery (40%)
While the People Mastery Strategy shares the highly correlating Extravert trait, it is also defined by the Assertive Identity trait, which explains why People Masters agreed at a rate 15% lower than that of Social Engagers. Their self-assured attitude makes these personalities more confident in how they look, so they are less likely to spend a significant amount of money trying to improve their appearance. In their social pursuits, they are less concerned about what people think in general, and that in itself may make them more attractive to others.
Constant Improvement (34%)
Introverted at their core, personality types belonging to the Constant Improvement Strategy report being even less likely to spend a lot on their appearance. They may not want to invest as much in their physical appearance because they are more inwardly focused. Despite a Turbulent Identity that makes them more preoccupied with the opinions of others, the changes that Constant Improvers most wish to make in themselves may not fall within the realm of social interactions.
Confident Individualism (19%)
Like Constant Improvers, members of the Confident Individualism Strategy are Introverts, but they stand apart because of their Assertive Identity and highly self-confident mindset. These personalities are not particularly socially inclined and don’t much care what other people think about them. Confident Individualists are truly independent spirits, and their outward appearance may reflect this. If they do invest in their looks, it may be more a reflection of personal inspiration than of craving the approval of others.
Case in point, Assertive Virtuosos (ISTP-A) were the least likely of any personality type to agree with our research statement (15%). Highly rational types who love to get their hands dirty, Virtuosos are too busy conquering one project after another to worry about their appearance. When was the last time you saw Bear Grylls or Clint Eastwood fussing over their looks? Confident Individualists feel they have better things to do, and wiser ways to spend their money.
Conclusions
The data clearly shows that Introversion and Extraversion play an important role in how different personality types treat their personal appearance. On some level, most of us crave at least some degree of approval from others, both for our minds and our looks. Extraverts who frequently socialize with others and seek social status tend to place more weight on how their appearance influences their success, and as a result, they spend more money to look their best.
Likewise, a Turbulent Identity can make some types feel less secure in their appearance, regardless of how attractive others find them. Prone to more frequent self-doubt, Turbulent personality types may worry more about what people think of their looks, and trying to ameliorate those concerns can cost money.
What about you? Do you spend significant amounts of money on your appearance? If so, why? Let us know in the comments below.