Lab Coats and Perceptions

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.