APi is building the field of Appearance Epidemiology through research, conceptual development, and applied inquiry.

Our publications translate lived experience and interdisciplinary insight into frameworks, evidence, and tools that inform practice, policy, and systems change.

Working Papers 

APi Working Papers present foundational ideas, conceptual frameworks, and emerging research shaping the field of Appearance Epidemiology.

APi Working Paper No. 1 (2026)

Appearance Epidemiology: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Distribution and Determinants of Appearance-Based Inequality.

Author: Ogo Maduewesi

Description:

This working paper introduces Appearance Epidemiology (AE), an interdisciplinary framework that conceptualises involuntary visible traits as structured exposure variables operating across cultural, institutional, and structural systems.

The paper establishes appearance as a population-level determinant of psychosocial well-being, dignity, and opportunity and lays the conceptual foundation for the field.

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Keywords:

Appearance Epidemiology • Lookism • Psychosocial Well-being • Social Equity • Visible Difference 

Conceptual Briefs

Short-form publications translating key ideas into accessible, practice-oriented insights.

Conceptual Brief No. 1 (Forthcoming)
Appearance-Based Stigma and Everyday Life

Status: In Development

Research Areas

APi’s research focuses on:

• Appearance-based stigma and discrimination (lookism)
• Psychosocial (social, emotional, and mental) well-being, identity, and lived experience
• Digital and AI-mediated appearance perception and bias
• Cultural representation, narrative, and media influence
• Institutional, structural, systems-level, and policy responses

Collaboration Invite 

APi welcomes collaboration with researchers, institutions, and practitioners interested in advancing the field of Appearance Epidemiology.