Levels Of Physical Attractiveness Research Articles

Physical Attractiveness and Social distance Perception in Service Encounters- Evidence from a Developing County

Physical Attractiveness (PA) is an essential factor affecting consumer response (CR) in service encounters (SE). Using an experimental design, the purpose of the study is to demonstrate the physical attractiveness (PA) of a service representative's effects (CR) in the context of consumer satisfaction, service quality perception, and likability of the service representative. The study investigated the complex underlying mechanism between these two variables by analyzing the mediating role of social distance perceptions (SDP), and the moderating role of consumer’s physical attractiveness (CPA) and gender. The context of the study is the Airline Industry of Pakistan. The data of the study was collected through scenario based self-administered questionnaires from in-flight 385 passengers using non-probability sampling (voluntary response sampling) from. Analyzing the results of the study it is predicted that high PA has a positive effect on CR. Hence it is also important to take the consumer’s perspective into consideration, as this perspective gives rise to situations under which the beauty premium notion might not hold. The results of the study revealed that a consumer’s gender and his/her own level of PA is an important determinant of how he/she reacts to the attractiveness of the representative. Results can provide significant insights to Airline companies to strategize the recruitment and deployment of cabin crew members in accordance with the level of the customer’s gender and his/her own (PA).

Sex Matters

Abstract Research finds that individuals of dark complexions are more likely to face prejudice or be discriminated against in a variety of contexts. Referred to as colorism, skin-tone-based discrimination has major implications for various life outcomes. Research on social interactions suggests that lighter skin tones are associated with a higher level of physical attractiveness, which is of particular interest for this study. This study uses quantitative survey data collected from undergraduate and graduate students from across the United States to explore the relationship between colorism, gender, and perceived physical attraction via a modified version of Harvey, Tennial, and Bank’s In-Group Colorism Scale (ICS). Analyses measured the relationship between a participant’s own skin tone, which was self-assessed via comparison to images modeled after make-up swatches, and results on a subscale of the ICS which measures attraction to lighter skin tones. Our results suggest that gender has a significant impact on perceived physical attractiveness, with male-identifying participants placing more weight on the significance of skin tone when determining physical attraction. Implications for future research and translational implications are also discussed.

Exploring the impact of psychological factors on cosmetic surgery acceptance: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundClient perspectives on cosmetic surgery are often shaped by a combination of social norms, personal experiences, cultural beliefs, media exposure, and individual values. This study aimed to explore and understand the attitudes, beliefs, and motivations of individuals who seek or are considering cosmetic surgery and to identify the factors that influence their decision-making. MethodsA questionnaire was given to all patients at the plastic surgery clinics, and the results were analyzed using the likelihood of having cosmetic surgery scale, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, the life happiness scale, and the physical attractiveness scale. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for the investigation of correlations, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was determined to be reliable. ResultsThe mean age of participants was found to be 33.9 years, with 40.8% male and 59.2% female. The results of the study indicate that there is a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.25) between the likelihood of having cosmetic surgery and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Additionally, there is a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.27) between the likelihood of having cosmetic surgery and the life happiness scale. Lastly, there is a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.39) between the likelihood of having cosmetic surgery and the physical attractiveness scale. ConclusionThese results suggest that a person's self-esteem, happiness, and level of physical attractiveness may play a role in their decision to pursue cosmetic surgery.

Effects of 16 Weeks of Cheerleading on Physical Self-Esteem and Mental Health of Female College Students.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the influence of cheerleading on female college students’ physical self-esteem and mental health.Materials and MethodsIn total, 63 female college students from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China were trained in cheerleading for 16 weeks. The scores of each sub-field of physical self-esteem and psychological symptoms were analyzed by using Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) and Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), respectively, at 0 and 16 weeks of the experiment.ResultsAfter 16 weeks of cheerleading exercise, female college students had significant differences in physical attractiveness (T = 4.18), physical quality (T = 4.39), and physical self-worth (T = 3.35) before and after the experiment (P < 0.01). There were significant differences in physical condition (T = 3.87) and athletic ability (T = 2.88) before and after the experiment (P < 0.05). Somatization (T = 6.485), obsessive-compulsive symptoms (T = 11.716), interpersonal sensitivity (T = 10.077), depression (T = 8.403), anxiety (T = 10.767), hostility (T = 10.866), terror (T = 9.260), paranoia (T = 10.414), psychosis (T = 9.610), sleep and eating disorders (T = 9.323), total symptom index (T = 13.245), and mean score of positive symptoms (T = 12.237) were significantly different (P < 0.01).ConclusionCheerleading can significantly improve the level of female college students’ physical self-esteem, especially the self-esteem level of physical attractiveness, physical quality, and physical self-worth. They also experienced significant improvement in their psychological disorders, especially somatization, depression, and sleep and eating disorders, which effectively improved their overall mental health.

Does being beautiful always help? Contingency effects of physical attractiveness of the service providers on customer response

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the physical attractiveness stereotype in service encounters. Specifically, this paper examines how physical attractiveness affects a customer’s response and whether a customer’s social interaction anxiety and the consumption situation moderate this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThree experiments were used to test hypotheses. Participants were subject to scenarios of varying levels of physical attractiveness (more vs less), social interaction anxiety (high vs low) and consumption situation (private vs public). Customer participation intention and citizenship behavior were measured along scales.FindingsThe results indicate that the physical attractiveness of service providers positively affects customer citizenship behavior, and customer participation intention mediates this relationship. However, the effect only exists for a customer with low social interaction anxiety or presents itself under public consumption conditions.Research limitations/implicationsThis work paints a more nuanced picture of missing links in the understanding of the influence of service providers’ physical attractiveness. It enriches the physical attractiveness stereotype literature by identifying the mediating role of customer participation intention while bounding the relationship within conditions related to a customer’s social interaction anxiety and the service consumption situation.Practical implicationsManagement may alter the performance of service employees by considering the employee’s physical attractiveness and gauging customer social interaction anxiety while keeping in mind the consumption situation.Originality/valueThis study advances physical attractiveness stereotype research by examining its effect on customer participation intention and citizenship behavior in the service industry. Additionally, this study adds customer social interaction anxiety and consumption situation to the existing literature that addresses employee factors affecting customer behavior.

Is smart sexy? Examining the role of relative intelligence in mate preferences

There has been a recent surge of research on the role of intelligence in mate preferences. To advance this area of research, in two online studies (N = 743), we manipulated relative, as opposed to absolute, intelligence and examined desirability in long-term and short-term relationships. In Study 1, we also examined the role of mate value towards understanding differences in desirability and, in Study 2, we also manipulated target's level of physical attractiveness. The sexes found less intelligent partners less desirable, a more intelligent partner was no more desirable than partner who was equal in intelligence, and intelligence was particularly valued as a long-term mate. In addition, mate value was correlated with rejecting less intelligent mates and desiring more intelligent ones in women only. And, last, we found that once men and women found sufficient rates of attractiveness for their short-term partners, they care about the intelligence of their partner.

Intrasexual Competition and Sexual Response in Androphilic Women

Androphilic (sexually attracted to men) women demonstrate genital and self-reported arousal to sexual stimuli of both their preferred and non-preferred genders - a “gender-nonspecific” sexual response (e.g., Chivers et al, 2007). One hypothesis for female non-specific arousal patterns is intrasexual competition (the rivalry among the same sex for mates). Previously intrasexual competition has been operationalized as the level of jealousy a woman feels towards another woman. Intrasexual competition has been found to increase attentional adhesion to same sex stimuli (Maner, Gilliot &amp; Roudy, 2007) The Information Processing Model (IPM; Janssen et al, 2000) posits that visual attention to sexual cues may result in a sexual response. Longer viewing times to same sex stimuli motivated by intrasexual competition (Maner et al., 2007) could therefore lead to an increase in self-reported arousal to non-preferred stimuli. This study explores the relationship between traits associated with intrasexual competition and sexual responding (visual attention and self-reported sexual arousal).&#x0D; Androphilic women are exposed to sexual stimuli varying by gender (preferred, non-preferred) and physical attractiveness level (attractive, unattractive). Visual attention is measured using an eye tracker and sexual arousal is assessed by participant self-report. Intrasexual competition is operationalized through measures of self-reported jealousy, anger, indirect aggression, and body image. I predict the participants will exhibit greater intrasexual competition after viewing images of attractive women compared to images of unattractive women and men. I also explore visual attention as a mediator between intrasexual competition and self-reported sexual arousal. Data collection for this project is currently underway.&#x0D; Chivers, M. L., Seto, M. C., &amp; Blanchard, R. (2007). Gender and sexual orientation differences in sexual response to sexual activities versus gender of actors in sexual films. Journal of personality and social psychology, 93(6), 1108. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.93.6.1108&#x0D; Janssen, E., Everaerd, W., Spiering, M., &amp; Janssen, J. (2000). Automatic processes and the appraisal of sexual stimuli: Toward an information processing model of sexual arousal. Journal of Sex Research, 37(1), 8–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490009552016&#x0D; Maner, J. K., Gailliot, M. T., Rouby, A., &amp; Miller, S. (2007). Can’t Take My Eyes Off You: Attentional Adhesion to Mates and Rivals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 93(3), 389–401. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.93.3.389

The Importance of Physical Attractiveness to the Mate Choices of Women and Their Mothers

Prior research investigating the mate preferences of women and their parents reveals two important findings with regard to physical attractiveness. First, daughters more strongly value mate characteristics connoting genetic quality (such as physical attractiveness) than their parents. Second, both daughters and their parents report valuing characteristics other than physical attractiveness most strongly (e.g., ambition/industriousness, friendliness/kindness). However, the prior research relies solely on self-report to assess daughters’ and parents’ preferences. We assessed mate preferences among 61 daughter-mother pairs using an experimental design varying target men’s physical attractiveness and trait profiles. We tested four hypotheses investigating whether a minimum level of physical attractiveness was a necessity to both women and their mothers and whether physical attractiveness was a more important determinant of dating desirability than trait profiles. These hypotheses were supported. Women and their mothers were strongly influenced by the physical attractiveness of the target men and preferred the attractive and moderately attractive targets. Men with the most desirable personality profiles were rated more favorably than their counterparts only when they were at least moderately attractive. Unattractive men were never rated as more desirable partners for daughters, even when they possessed the most desirable trait profiles. We conclude that a minimum level of physical attractiveness is a necessity for both women and their mothers and that when women and their parents state that other traits are more important than physical attractiveness, they assume potential mates meet a minimally acceptable standard of physical attractiveness.

Moral Judgments on Short-Term Sexual Behaviors among Chinese College Students: Exploring the Roles of Gender and Physical Attractiveness.

This study primarily investigated the effects of gender and physical attractiveness on moral judgments on three typical kinds of short-term sexual behaviors (short-term fling, one-night stand, and hookup) in the Chinese culture context. A total of 120 university student subjects were presented with a series of stereotypically physically attractive (versus physically unattractive) photos before they rated the extent to which each of the three short-term sexual behaviors are morally acceptable. The results showed that male students judged all three behaviors to be more morally acceptable than female students did. Further analyses showed that this gender difference was moderated by the level of physical attractiveness. Under the high attractiveness condition, short-term flings and hookups were judged more morally acceptable by male students than by female students, but this gender difference was not significant under the low attractiveness condition. However, with regard to one-night stands, the data showed that male students judged this type of behavior to be more morally acceptable than did female students under the low attractiveness condition, while this gender difference was not significant under the high attractiveness condition. Thus, these findings further our understanding of how Chinese young people view different types of short-term sexual behaviors, and provide novel evidence regarding how physical attractiveness influences people’s moral judgments on short-term sexual behaviors.

Dissimilarity in physical attractiveness within romantic dyads and mate retention behaviors

The present study investigated the relations among physical attractiveness and inter- and intrasexual mate retention tactics used by individuals in romantic relationships. Seventy-three undergraduate romantic dyads were photographed and completed a questionnaire about their mate retention tactics. Independent judges rated the photographs for physical attractiveness. Actor–partner interdependence models indicated that (a) partner’s physical attractiveness was positively associated with the individual’s own use of mate retention behavior, (b) an individual’s own level of physical attractiveness was not related to the individual’s own use of mate retention behavior, however, (c) there was a dissimilarity effect for predicting mate retention behaviors. Specifically, participants who were less physically attractive and were in romantic relationships with physically attractive partners employed more intrasexual retention tactics.

High on Attractiveness, Low on Nutrition: An Over-Time Comparison of Advertising Food Products on Israeli Television

ABSTRACTThis content analysis examines Israeli television food advertising. It compares 2008–2009 and 2012–2013, two periods immediately before and several years after regulatory, educational, and public-advocacy efforts have been advanced to raise awareness of and tackle the television–obesity link. Advertisements were drawn from a composite week sample aired on Israeli broadcast channels from 4:00 p.m. until midnight in each of the two periods. Nearly a quarter of ads were for food products, even after a significant drop over the years. The most common food categories included candies and sweetened drinks, whereas fruit and vegetables were among the least common products advertised. The most prevalent central message in food advertisements was that the product makes for an economically sensible purchase, with a much lower focus on the health qualities of the food products. Food advertisements were characterized by a very short duration and an increased reliance on emotional, rather than cognitive, appeal, especially in ads for low-nutrient foods. A significant increase was observed in 2012–2013 in the reliance on thin models in food advertisements, and these were most often associated with high levels of physical attractiveness, promoting the thin ideal. Findings are discussed in light of theory, previous research conducted worldwide, and audience effects. Implications are addressed for health and media industry regulation efforts.

Are Women’s Mate Preferences for Altruism Also Influenced by Physical Attractiveness?

Altruism plays a role in mate choice, particularly in women’s preferences and in long-term (LT) relationships. The current study analyzed how these preferences interacted with another important mate choice variable, physical attractiveness. Here, female participants were presented with photographs of men of varying levels of physical attractiveness, alongside descriptions of them behaving either altruistically or not in different scenarios. The results showed women preferred altruistic men, particularly in LT relationships and that this interacted with physical attractiveness such that being both attractive and altruistic made a man more desirable than just the sum of the two desirable parts. Also, being altruistic made low attractive men more desirable but only for LT relationships. Finally, men who were just altruistic were rated more desirable than men who were just attractive, especially for LT relationships. Overall, these findings are discussed in terms of the role of altruism in mate choice, particularly in LT relationships and directions of future research.

Self perception of body attractiveness in two cultures: Mexican and Argentine

In order to describe the level of physical attractiveness that mexican and argentine consider having, we worked with an intentional non-probabilistic sample composed of 272 university students shared equally by nationality and gender from the cities of Toluca (Mexico) and Mendoza (Argentina). The instrument used was “physical attractiveness assessment”, which evaluates the attractiveness of the visible body parts from 0 to 100%. The research findings by nationality show that mexican people value more their body parts compared with argentinean. Sex differences indicate that mexican men tend to consider more attractive their body parts than mexican women. However, argentinean people show no difference in the number of body parts evaluated as attractive. In both nationalities, there is a tendency to put a higher value on body parts considered masculine by men and feminine by women. In general, it appears that the body is and will remain an important mean of expression and the value that it is given will establish the degree of security that people has to relate to their particular psychological, sociological and cultural context.

Who Lives Longer and Healthier? The Role of Personality, Facial Attractiveness, and Intelligence

Despite considerable evidence suggesting that physical characteristics, such as facial attractiveness, and psychological characteristics, such as personality and intelligence, are associated with mortality and health, few studies have integrated these factors into a single model. Using data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), the present study explores which, and to what extent, individual characteristics are associated with various dimensions of health. Moreover, this study compares and contrasts the results from the WLS with results from the Americans’ Changing Lives (ACL) study. Results from parametric proportional hazard regressions indicate that, even after accounting for SES and health behavior risk factors, two personality traits ? neuroticism and openness ? matter for men’s mortality in the WLS. Also, higher levels of physical attractiveness significantly reduced the hazard of mortality for women. However, intelligence had a trivial effect on all health outcomes in both sexes. Similar patterns were observed in the ACL.

Percepções sobre pessoas com deficiências e o prognóstico para o atendimento educacional especializado

O presente estudo objetivou verificar se a atratividade física facial de alunos com deficiência auditiva poderia exercer influência nos prognósticos feitos por professores que atuam no atendimento educacional especializado - Salas de Recursos Multifuncionais (SRMs). Foram selecionados 20 professores que atuam em SRMs em um município do interior do estado de São Paulo. Os participantes realizaram uma atividade envolvendo a previsão de resultados para o atendimento educacional especializado de alunos com deficiência auditiva. Como estímulos utilizaram-se fotografias de crianças, de ambos os sexos, com diferentes níveis de atratividade física. Os prognósticos favoráveis para o atendimento especializado recaíram mais frequentemente sobre os alunos com alta atratividade física. Contudo, apenas para as fotografias das meninas foi encontrada significância estatística, evidenciando que a variável sexo teve efeito sobre os resultados. Conclui-se que a atratividade física é uma temática que deve ser problematizada no interior dos cursos de formação (inicial ou continuada) para professores e outros profissionais, intentando melhores atendimentos, relacionamentos e percursos de ensino e aprendizagem para os alunos que são o público alvo da área de Educação Especial.

Romantic Partners in a Market Perspective: Expectations about What Ensures a Highly Desirable Partner

This study used the biological market perspective and influential statistical models from the marketing field to investigate males' and females' expectations regarding which combination of characteristics are most relevant in ensuring desirable partnerships for same-sex individuals. Thus, 358 Brazilian undergraduates assessed eight descriptions of same-gender stimulus targets (formulated with different levels of physical attractiveness, social skills, and current or prospective social status) and evaluated the overall desirability of the targets' expected or probable partners. From the possible combinations, three groups emerged: for one group, mainly composed of men, status characteristics were the most important attributes; for the others, mostly composed of women, social skills or physical characteristics were identified as most important in appealing to a desirable partner. This work expands the understanding of variability in male and female romantic expectations, and its implications are discussed from an evolutionary perspective.

Effects of a Tattoo on Men’s Behavior and Attitudes Towards Women: An Experimental Field Study

Previous studies have indicated negative evaluations of women with tattoos. However, a study by Swami and Furnham (2007) showed that tattooed women were rated as less physically attractive but more sexually promiscuous. Given that men interpret women's sexual intent according to their physical appearance, we predicted that women with tattoos would be more favorably approached by men. A temporary tattoo was placed on confederates' lower back, or not, and all confederates were instructed to read a book while lying flat on their stomach on a well-known beach. Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment showed that more men (N = 220) approached the tattooed confederates and that the mean latency of their approach was quicker. A second experiment showed that men (N = 440) estimated to have more chances to have a date and to have sex on the first date with tattooed confederates. However, the level of physical attractiveness attributed to the confederate was not influenced by the tattoo condition. These results were discussed with respect to men's possible misinterpretation of women wearing tattoos and the risks associated with this misinterpretation.

The Experience of Teasing in Elective Cosmetic Surgery Patients

The role of teasing as a motivator for patients undertaking elective cosmetic surgery was investigated. Pre-operative data were collected, using a range of standardized tests in addition to open ended questions about their experience of teasing, from 449 patients aged 18 to 70 undergoing elective cosmetic surgery in Australia. Just under half of the sample indicated that they had been teased or bullied about their appearance. Teased patients showed significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression and dysmorphic concern; lower levels of physical attractiveness and appearance satisfaction; and lower levels of satisfaction with discrete aspects of their appearance than nonteased patients. Teasing also contributed to longer periods of considering surgery as an answer to body dissatisfaction concerns, even when controlling for age. Prevention education initiatives on appearance-related teasing should be targeted at school students. This, along with earlier detection of the psychological impacts of weight and appearance-related teasing, fewer people, if offered strategies for coping through counseling, may contemplate surgery as a response to this teasing.

Motivated social categorization: Fundamental motives enhance people's sensitivity to basic social categories.

This article presents an evolutionary framework for identifying the characteristics people use to categorize members of their social world. Findings suggest that fundamental social motives lead people to implicitly categorize social targets based on whether those targets display goal-relevant phenotypic traits. A mate-search prime caused participants to categorize opposite-sex targets (but not same-sex targets) based on their level of physical attractiveness (Experiment 1). A mate-guarding prime interacted with relationship investment, causing participants to categorize same-sex targets (but not opposite-sex targets) based on their physical attractiveness (Experiment 2). A self-protection prime interacted with chronic beliefs about danger, increasing participants' tendency to categorize targets based on their racial group membership (Black or White; Experiment 3). This work demonstrates that people categorize others based on whether they display goal-relevant characteristics reflecting high levels of perceived desirability or threat. Social categorization is guided by fundamental evolved motives designed to enhance adaptive social outcomes.

Is beauty a gift or a curse? The influence of an offender's physical attractiveness on forgiveness

Two studies examined the influence of a female offender's level of physical attractiveness on forgiveness. In Study 1, an apology offered to a male participant (role‐playing a victim) by an attractive female offender was more effective at increasing forgiveness compared to the same apology offered by a less attractive offender. In contrast, female participants displayed the opposite pattern, responding more positively to the less attractive offender. Study 2 revealed that this effect was mediated by participants' judgments about the quality of the apology received. Male participants judged the apology as higher in quality when it was offered by the attractive offender, whereas female participants rated the apology as higher quality when it was offered by the less attractive offender.