Stereotypes can, and often do help improve an individual’s self-image. Someone who is suffering from low self-esteem, depression, or wants to improve their self-image can use positive stereotypes. Positive stereotypes, along with an individual’s national or cultural identity make them feel more confident about themselves. Simply grouping oneself with others, promotes togetherness, which, in turn, reduces despair.

John Bruhn in The Group Effect Social Cohesion and Health Outcomes did an experiment on the effects of cohesion. His results concluded that, “Large friendship networks have been found to be associated with greater community attachment, greater empowerment, lower crime rates, watchfulness of neighbors, reduced fear and mistrust, and lower levels of mental distress and depression” (Bruhn 97). Mental distress is eased with simply grouping up with others. Whether it be family or friends, having something in common with others leaves you prone to generalizations. Instinctively, cohesion reminds the person that they are not alone or the oddball. With this happiness they will think of themselves as better, more motivated, and normal.

In attempting to improve their self-image the person must reflect on their identity and what the stereotypes that are imposes on them actually mean to them day in and day out. The individual takes this and makes conclusions about themselves, which are greatly influenced by their national/cultural identity and what it means to them. The extent of what their national/cultural identity means to them depends on how much they are connected to it. For example, a Jewish person will physically present themselves differently from an Orthodox Jew. Due to this, the Orthodox Jew is more predisposed to stereotypes, whether good or bad.

In regard to national identity, someone can be very proud of their nationality, indifferent, or ashamed of it. If you are proud of it, it serves as another motivator with which they can redeem happiness from. Altogether, cultural and national identity mixed with positive stereotypes produce a platform an individual can improve their self-image with.