Psychological Effects of Valentine's Day

Throughout the country, and especially among teens, Valentine’s Day is a day people feel like they need to share with someone. The day is promoted in ads that litter television commercial breaks, Internet sidebars, and even emails. Campus businesses are even getting in on the holiday spirit: Campusfood.com, for example, is giving $5 off of every order from February 11 until the 14th.

"Ads and market in general is design to create stress, and a way to get rid of that stress it to buy," said Daniel Z. Lieberman, M.D., a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. All of this results in a very hyped up Valentine’s Day, which for many can be psychologically detrimental if they feel the pressures of not sharing the day with someone.

For Rachael Holbreich, Valentine's Day has become all about expectations.

"Do I need to do something for someone, or will someone do something for me?” said Holbreich.

The fact that a person may not know what will occur can add to psychological tension.

"It makes people think they need to have someone to spend it with,” she said. But for Rachael, the holiday is just about telling someone you care about them.

Asked if Valentine's Day is really a day to be treated differently than others, Lieberman said, "I think it is different. If were to compare it to Mother's Day, a classic marketing-driven holiday, it is pretty easy to meet the expectations - buy a card and make a phone call." But Valentine's Day is "fundamentally different," he said.

"Valentine's Day is about feeling loved. If we don’t meet the expectations that are placed upon this holiday, it can make us feel either unloved or, even worse, unworthy of being loved," Lieberman concluded.

Elizabeth Kennedy feels that there is a healthy way to approach Valentine’s Day, even if you are single on the day.

"Instead of focusing on your lack of date or the amount of flowers you have not received, put on a larger smile than you normally would and take advantage of the special holiday which underlines love,” she said.

Valentine’s Day can be a stressful day, but if approached correctly, it can be easy and fun for all.