Experts say that those who go to work wearing white uniforms
are smarter and more capable people. In fact, a couple of Northwestern
University scholars say that these individuals even perform their tasks more
accurately and with more confidence. To put it in plain words, white lab coats
tend to make people more productive.
But what if you walk down the street to find someone wearing
a suit or a work uniform? Does it somehow change our attitude in believing that
the clothing a person wears is symbolically subject to be what he or she is? Two
Northwestern University scholars found that wearing white lab coats could
actually open a whole new avenue in how people perceive you. For instance,
wearing a lab coat may make a person’s posture change before your very eyes.
The treatment is different because there is a symbolism invested in it what
you’re seeing. According to the researchers, the power of representation is at work.
The question is how a couple of researchers stumbled upon
this novelty idea. In one test, volunteers were asked to wear white coats, just
as doctors do, and then measured their ability to concentrate. Those who were
uniformed performed other tasks. The study proved that wearing lab coats could
have a significant influence on our mental and physical well being.
The lab coat, medical scrubs, and other uniforms are an
integral part of many professions’ identity. When the person wearing a uniform
puts it on, he or she assumes a whole new identity that can be a confidence
boost for them as well as clients or patients.
