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eople‘s selfâ€"esteem is most strongâ€" Ply tied to traits such as physical appearance, social skills and popâ€" ularity, says a recent University of Waterloo psychology study. Study finds selfâ€"esteem tied to external factors That‘s because appearances are most strongly linked to acceptance from others, says research associate Danu Anthony, who led the study with psychology professors John Holmes and Joanne Wood. The study also finds that selfâ€"esteem is most strongly connected to traits that garner acceptance from other people. _ "We were intrigued that society realâ€" ly seems to be of two minds about the traits that it values," Anthony said. * The study, entitled Social Accepâ€" tance and Selfâ€"esteem: Tuning the Sociometer to Interpersonal Value, was published in the June issue of the Jourâ€" nal of Personality and Social Psycholoâ€" "People state emphatically that it is ‘what‘s inside‘ that counts and encourâ€" age their children not to judge others based on appearances, yet they revere attractive people to an astonishing degree," Anthony said. "They say they value communal qualities such as kindâ€" ness and understanding more than any other traits, but seem to be exceptionalâ€" ly interested in achieving good looks and popularity." "Would selfâ€"esteem be linked to the traits that people say they value the most, like kindness, understanding and warmth, or would it be linked to the traits that are the most valuable on the interpersonal marketplace, namely good looks, social skills and populariâ€" ty?" asked Anthony. Three local kids are CHAMPs The researchers then wondered what effect those dual messages would have on people‘s selfâ€"esteem. _ Three Waterloo residents recently attended the War Amps 2007 Ontario Child Amputee (CHAMP) seminar. Jayden East, 10, Courtney Gilmour, 22, and Meaghan Sheppard, 10, benefitâ€" ed from the association‘s long tradition of "amputees helping amputees." Seminars provided information on the latest developments in artificial limbs, advice on issues such as teasing, staring and future independence, and a forum to share concerns. CHAMPs develop a "winner‘s circle" philosophy of overcoming their ampuâ€" tation and living life to the fullest. _ When East was born he was missing part of his right hand. And both Shepâ€" pard and Gilmour were born multiple amputees. In the artificial limb session, CHAMPs demonstrated their recreâ€" ational limbs and devices. Sheppard, who has standard artificial arms and legs showed her customized bike. As a talented painter, she also showed severâ€" al of her paintings at the seminar. Courtney was a junior counsellor at the seminar, answering questions and offering advice to young CHAMPs and their parents. She also gave an inspiraâ€" tional speech to the group, talking about her experiences growing up as an amputee. Sheppard has a special interest in the War Amps. During the seminar, she received a CHAMP Ambassador certifiâ€" cate for her Playsafe presentation at Cedarbrae public school. "We war amputees call CHAMP the one good thing that came out of the war and through seminars," said CHAMP founder Cliff Chadderton. "We continâ€" ue the formula of experienced amputees helping new ones that has proven successful for us for nearly 90 The researchers hypothesized that selfâ€"esteem is linked to the traits that garner acceptance from others â€" what other people value in potential friends and romantic partners. Though appearances are highly prized in Western society, there are important social roles that emphasize the interpersonal value of "what‘s inside." But those in interdependent social roles, such as women, people of East Asian descent and people in romantic relationships, had selfâ€"esteem that was also tied to communal qualities, such as kindness and warmth. Women are valued when they behave in a warm, loving manner, the study says. Complete Collision and Retinishing Service WATERLOO CHRONICLE * Wednesday, August 8 Northdale Auto Body 519â€" 2007 + L7