The effect of leg length on perceived attractiveness of simplified stimuli.

Abstract

In Western culture there are countless examples of reference to female legs as a factor in sexual attraction. It is not surprising, therefore, that both males and females perceive female figures as more attractive as leg length increases, in proportion to torso or stature, and perhaps the opposite should be true for male figures. Both evolutionary and socio cultural factors can play a role in the effect, such as the emphasis on longer legs in images of attractive women. To isolate leg length from other factors we conducted three studies using an extremely simplified type of stimulus: stick figures. Results using three different dependent variables (a forced choice, a rating, and a production task) confirm a role for leg length in attractiveness judgments, modulated also by level of estimated self attractiveness. We discuss the potential of simplified stimuli, which do not attempt to appear realistic, as a tool in the study of factors affecting attractiveness.