Values heavily influence the practice of health habits. For example, exercise for women may be considered desirable in one culture but undesirable in another.(Donovan, Jessor, Costa, 1991) As a result, patterns among women will differe greatly between two cultures.

The idea that positive illusions are in the service of sef-esteem virtually requires that they stay in check. If one develops substantially unrealistic expectations regarding the future that greatly exceed what one is actually able to accomplish, then one is set up for failure and disappointment, leading to lower self-esteem.