The Effects of Gender, Physical Attractiveness, and Socioeconomic Status on Initial Attraction

Abstract

THE EFFECTS OF GENDER, PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS, AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS ON INITIAL ATTRACTION by Sherrie Jagolino The tradeoff threshold model posits that in a heterosexual relationship, high socioeconomic status (SES) can compensate for physical unattractiveness in men, whereas physical attractiveness can compensate for low SES in women. In the present study, we attempted to provide evidence for the tradeoff threshold model. Ninety-six heterosexual participants viewed eight high and low attractive male or female stimuli photographs each attached with high or low SES descriptions. Average physical attractiveness ratings were analyzed in a 2 (physical attractiveness: high and low) x 2 (SES: high and low) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) for each gender. Women rated low SES men as more attractive than high SES men. No main effect of physical attractiveness or interaction between physical attractiveness and SES was found for women viewing men. Men provided higher ratings of attractiveness for stimuli depicting highly attractive women compared to low attractive women. Men also rated high SES women as more attractive than low SES women. Additionally, there was a significant interaction between physical attractiveness and SES. Men rated low attractive women attached with a high SES as more attractive than low attractive women attached with a low SES. Overall, we were able to provide support for the tradeoff threshold model in our analyses for men, but we were unable to confirm the model’s applicability to women within our sample. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Foremost, I would like to express a warm and sincere thank you to my advisor, Dr. Arlene Asuncion. From undergrad social psychology to a graduate master’s thesis, and all the classes in between, thank you for making it interesting. What was once a design project from social psychology research methods to what is now a master’s thesis was made possible with your help and guidance. A very special thanks to Dr. Megumi Hosoda for eliminating my stress in figuring out the complexity of my design and assistance with my analyses. Dr. Mildred Alvarez, your professionalism and enthusiasm for learning has taught me so much. Thank you for everything. I’d also like to thank the fellow members of my cohort for the friendship and random hangouts we’ve had throughout this journey. Hardeep Obhi, Megan Malmstrom, and Iya Vargas, thank you guys for your encouragement, stimulating discussions, and for making this experience a little more enjoyable. Johnny, thank you for being the big brother I never had. I will always cherish your crazy stories and life advice. Erika, our food trips and venting of frustration about random things made life much more bearable. Maru and CJ, college would not be the same without you both. Thank you for your friendship, random talks, and being there when I needed you guys. Mom, Dad, and Bianca, thank you for your endless love and guidance throughout my life. I would not be who I am today without you. Sean, thank you for always believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Your love, support, and encouragement enriched this entire journey. I am truly grateful.