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Rigoli F, Mirolli M. The Status Importance Scale: Development and validation of a self-report questionnaire for measuring how much people care about status. Br J Psychol 2024. [PMID: 38842450 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Although substantial research indicates that considerations about status can lead to anxiety and other negative outcomes, a valid measure of the importance individuals attribute to status is lacking. This paper introduces the Status Importance Scale (SIS), a mono-factorial 10-item self-report questionnaire that quantifies how important a person deems status to be. Five studies validate the scale showing that it has excellent internal reliability and acceptable test-retest reliability, it correlates with several related measures (supporting convergent validity), it shows little correlation with theoretically unrelated constructs (supporting discriminant validity), it is the best predictor of conspicuous consumption compared with other potential candidates (supporting concurrent validity), and it can help predicting which activities one gives importance to (further supporting concurrent validity). Finally, as hypothesized by previous literature, the last study reveals that the SIS can predict status anxiety. The SIS can contribute to research regarding important phenomena such as the detrimental psychological effects of income inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Mirolli
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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2
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Zhao Q, Ma R, Liu Z, Wang T, Sun X, van Prooijen JW, Dong M, Yuan Y. Why do we never have enough time? Economic inequality fuels the perception of time poverty by aggravating status anxiety. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 63:614-636. [PMID: 37933472 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
People in many societies report that they do not have enough time. What makes people feel so rushed? We propose that economic inequality leads to perceived time poverty by increasing status anxiety. Five studies examined this line of reasoning. Study 1 (N = 230) found a positive correlation between economic inequality and perceived time poverty. Study 2 (N = 194) manipulated economic inequality to test the causal link between economic inequality and perceived time poverty. The results showed that people perceived more time poverty in the high (vs. low) economic inequality condition. Study 3 (N = 381) supported the mediating role of status anxiety in the relationship between economic inequality and perceived time poverty using a questionnaire survey. Study 4 (pre-registered; N = 283) manipulated economic inequality in an ecological valid way and yielded further support for the hypotheses. In pre-registered Study 5 (N = 233), a blockage manipulation design was employed to test the mediating effect of status anxiety as a function of economic inequality, which provided causal evidence for the proposed mediator. Our findings suggest that economic inequality serves as a structural societal factor that fuels people's perception of time poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rongzi Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianxin Wang
- Department of Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xiaomin Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mengxi Dong
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yue Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Ruder AM, Brase GL, Balboa NJ, Brandner JL, Basha SAJ. Perceptions of Income Inequality and Women's Intrasexual Competition. HUMAN NATURE (HAWTHORNE, N.Y.) 2023; 34:605-620. [PMID: 38114790 PMCID: PMC10947790 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-023-09466-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Income inequality has been empirically linked to interpersonal competition and risk-taking behaviors, but a separate line of findings consistently shows that individuals have inaccurate perceptions of the actual levels of income inequality in society. How can inequality be both consistently misperceived and yet a reliable predictor of behavior? The present study extends both these lines of research by evaluating if the scope of input used to assess income inequality (i.e., at the national, state, county, or postal code level) can account for perception discrepancies and if actual/perceived inequality is associated with female intrasexual competition. Female participants recruited online from the general US population (n = 691) provided demographic information, measures of perceived income inequality, and measures of intrasexual competition attitudes and behavior. Actual and perceived income inequality (at any level) did not predict negative attitudes toward other women or female weighting of physical appearance as a desirable trait. Perceived income inequality and actual county-level inequality was, however, predictive of female competition in the form of self-sexualization clothing choice. Further analyses found that age and importance placed on physical attractiveness also predicted women's clothing choices. Perceptions of income inequality were predicted not by actual Gini indices, but by beliefs about the levels of poverty and income gaps. These results highlight the importance of better understanding the proximate cues by which people perceive environmental features such as inequality, and how those cues are used to adjust interpersonal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby M Ruder
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 492 Bluemont Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5302, USA
| | - Gary L Brase
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 492 Bluemont Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5302, USA.
| | - Nora J Balboa
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 492 Bluemont Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5302, USA
| | | | - Sydni A J Basha
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Crielaard L, Motazedi E, Galenkamp H, van de Werfhorst HG, Hulvej Rod N, Kuipers MAG, Nicolaou M, Stronks K. Socioeconomic Inequalities in Type 2 Diabetes: Mediation Through Status Anxiety? Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606069. [PMID: 37849688 PMCID: PMC10577225 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: While status anxiety has received attention as a potential mechanism generating health inequalities, empirical evidence is still limited. Studies have been ecological and have largely focused on mental and not physical health outcomes. Methods: We conducted individual-level analyses to assess status anxiety (feelings of inferiority resulting from social comparisons) and resources (financial difficulties) as mediators of the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) (education/occupation/employment status) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We used cross-sectional data of 21,150 participants (aged 18-70 years) from the Amsterdam-based HELIUS study. We estimated associations using logistic regression models and estimated mediated proportions using natural effect modelling. Results: Odds of status anxiety were higher among participants with a low SES [e.g., OR = 2.66 (95% CI: 2.06-3.45) for elementary versus academic occupation]. Odds of T2D were 1.49 (95% CI: 1.12-1.97) times higher among participants experiencing status anxiety. Proportion of the SES-T2D relationship mediated was 3.2% (95% CI: 1.5%-7.0%) through status anxiety and 10.9% (95% CI: 6.6%-18.0%) through financial difficulties. Conclusion: Status anxiety and financial difficulties played small but consistent mediating roles. These individual-level analyses underline status anxiety's importance and imply that status anxiety requires attention in efforts to reduce health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loes Crielaard
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ehsan Motazedi
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henrike Galenkamp
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Naja Hulvej Rod
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mirte A. G. Kuipers
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mary Nicolaou
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karien Stronks
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Chen H, Wang X, Zang H, Guinote A. We Need Tough Brothers and Sisters in a Tight World: Cultural Tightness Leads to a Preference for Dominant and Muscular Leaders. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2023:1461672231169107. [PMID: 37154510 DOI: 10.1177/01461672231169107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cultural tightness is characterized by strong norms and harsh punishments for deviant behaviors. We hypothesized that followers in tight (vs. loose) cultures would more strongly prefer muscular leaders. This hypothesis was confirmed across seven studies (N = 1,615) employing samples from the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. Using actual political leaders, we demonstrated that the tighter the state's culture was, the more muscular the elected governor was (Study 1). Temporarily situating participants in a tight (vs. loose) culture made them select a leader higher on muscularity but not on body fat, and the effects obtained occurred for both male and female leaders (Studies 2-3B). In addition, we demonstrated the mediating role of authoritarianism and a preference for a dominant leadership in this process (Studies 4-5B). These results demonstrate the importance of considering the interface between culture and the physical appearance of leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Social Psychology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xijing Wang
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Huilin Zang
- Department of Social Psychology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ana Guinote
- Experimental Psychology, University College London, UK
- ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon (CIS-IUL), Lisboa, Portugal
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Melita D, Rodríguez-Bailón R, Willis GB. Does income inequality increase status anxiety? Not directly, the role of perceived upward and downward mobility. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36929602 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Status anxiety theory posits that higher income inequality leads people to attribute more importance to their socioeconomic status and to worry about the position they occupy on the social ladder. We investigated through two experimental studies (N = 1117) the causal effect of economic inequality on status anxiety and whether expected upward and downward mobility mediates this effect. In Study 1, perceived economic inequality indirectly increased status anxiety through lesser expected upward mobility. In Study 2, perceived economic inequality decreased both expected upward and downward mobility, with opposite indirect effects on status anxiety. This suggests that the relationship between inequality and status anxiety is not straightforward, and could implicate the presence of multiple processes working at the same time-whereas lower expected downward mobility could suppress the effect of inequality, lower expected upward mobility could exacerbate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Melita
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Mind, Brain, and Behaviour Research Center (CIMCYC), Granada, Spain
| | - Rosa Rodríguez-Bailón
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Mind, Brain, and Behaviour Research Center (CIMCYC), Granada, Spain
| | - Guillermo B Willis
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Mind, Brain, and Behaviour Research Center (CIMCYC), Granada, Spain
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Peters K, Jetten J. How living in economically unequal societies shapes our minds and our social lives. Br J Psychol 2023; 114:515-531. [PMID: 36708128 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the economies of many countries have produced increasingly unequal outcomes for the rich and poor. This economic trend has attracted interest from members of the media, public and political classes as well as researchers who are interested in its societal implications. While this research has traditionally been the purview of economists and sociologists, there has been a burgeoning growth in research that has sought to understand the psychology of economic inequality. In this review, we summarize this work, focusing on two major themes: (1) how people perceive the scale of economic inequality and appraise its significance, and (2) how living in an economically unequal environment shapes people's social lives. Together, this work affirms claims that economic inequality is 'the defining issue of our time' (Obama, 2013) with a great deal of destructive potential. We identify important questions that await further research attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Peters
- University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.,University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jolanda Jetten
- University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Sun S, Zhang H. Development of the Cultural Tightness-Looseness Orientation Scale for College Students. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:665-681. [PMID: 36923298 PMCID: PMC10010131 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s402850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background "The cultural tightness-looseness orientation of college students", which involves college students' cognition about tolerance for non-learning-behavior in class, strength of learning-behavior norms in class, and strength of social norms in the generalized macro-context, offers a new perspective to explain college students' psychology and behavior and could effectively promote their all-round development. However, there is severely lack of a reliable and valid instrument. Hence, we seek to develop the Cultural Tightness-Looseness Orientation Scale for College Students (CTLOS-S) in the Chinese context. Methods We firstly pooled the initial 17 measuring items of CTLOS-S through literature review and the open-ended interview. After conducting questionnaire survey among 264 college students using the initial scale, we did a series of reliability and validity tests to get the formal CTLOS-S, based on which we further administered questionnaire survey among 755 college students to check its reliability, construct validity, criterion validity, content validity, and across-gender invariance. Results The formal CTLOS-S contains 7-item subscale of tolerance orientation for non-learning-behavior in class, 4-item subscale of strength orientation of learning-behavior norms in class, and 3-item subscale of strength orientation of social norms in the generalized macro-context. The testing results of the second-stage questionnaire survey data (N = 755) demonstrate that the reliability coefficients of CTLOS-S and its three subscales are 0.85, 0.85, 0.83, and 0.76 separately, the internal 3-factor structure validity of CTLOS-S is satisfactorily acceptable with χ 2(74) = 318.76, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.06, and SRMR = 0.04, and the content validity and criterion validity are satisfactory as the total score of CTLOS-S is positively correlated with each score of its three subscales and the total score of learning engagement scale. Besides, the 3-factor structure of CTLOS-S is invariant across gender. Conclusion The 14-item CTLOS-S we develop is a reliable and valid instrument for researchers to conduct quantitative studies on college students' cultural tightness-looseness orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Sun
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Business School, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Teresa A. Direct and Indirect Roles of Men in Determining Women Decision to Use Laser Procedures for Skin Care. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2023; 16:617-633. [PMID: 36936751 PMCID: PMC10019343 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s398685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Laser procedures for skin care is becoming increasingly popular and used by the global community and affect many aspects of human life. However, there is very little research on the role of men in women's decision to follow this dermatological procedure. This study aimed to identify the role of men in motivating women to choose laser-based procedure. A systematic literature review research design was applied in this study. A total of 27 papers were obtained by searching PubMed Central for the 2013-2022 editions. The extraction of samples and the motivation of patients or research respondents in choosing laser procedures for cosmetic treatments were conducted to obtain clues about the role of men in making these decisions. Only six studies explicitly reveal the role of men as motivators of women to perform laser-based dermatological procedures. Four of these six studies were conducted in Asia in countries with a high degree of collectivism. The remaining two studies reveal a minor role for men in women's motivation to choose dermatological procedures. Other studies only indirectly implicate the role of men through intrasexual competition, increased self-esteem, and the needs of the world of work. Limitations of the study lies in the non-specificity of the study sample in the female population, laser-based treatments, and the role of men in motivating women. The role of men in motivating women to perform laser-based skin care procedures is stated explicitly in collectivist cultures while only implicitly in individualist cultures. These findings indicate that the strategy of utilizing the added value of men to laser treatment procedures should be directed at the relationship between men and women in real terms in collective cultured countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Teresa
- Medical Faculty, Palangka Raya University, Palangka Raya, Indonesia
- Correspondence: Astrid Teresa, Kampus UPR, Jalan Yos Sudarso, Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, 73111, Indonesia, Email
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Resource Scarcity Predicts Women’s Intrasexual Competition: The Role of Trait and State Envy. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-022-00344-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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11
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Sommet N, Elliot AJ. Opposing effects of income inequality on health: The role of perceived competitiveness and avoidance/approach motivation. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Sommet
- LIVES Centre University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Andrew J. Elliot
- Department of Psychology University of Rochester Rochester NY USA
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Kowal M, Sorokowski P, Pisanski K, Valentova JV, Varella MA, Frederick DA, Al-Shawaf L, García FE, Giammusso I, Gjoneska B, Kozma L, Otterbring T, Papadatou-Pastou M, Pfuhl G, Stöckli S, Studzinska A, Toplu-Demirtaş E, Touloumakos AK, Bakos BE, Batres C, Bonneterre S, Czamanski-Cohen J, Dacanay JC, Deschrijver E, Fisher ML, Grano C, Grigoryev D, Kačmár P, Kozlov MV, Manunta E, Massar K, McFall JP, Mebarak M, Miccoli MR, Milfont TL, Prokop P, Aavik T, Arriaga P, Baiocco R, Čeněk J, Çetinkaya H, Duyar I, Guemaz F, Ishii T, Kamburidis JA, Khun-Inkeeree H, Lidborg LH, Manor H, Nussinson R, Omar-Fauzee MSB, Pazhoohi F, Ponnet K, Santos AC, Senyk O, Spasovski O, Vintila M, Wang AH, Yoo G, Zerhouni O, Amin R, Aquino S, Boğa M, Boussena M, Can AR, Can S, Castro R, Chirumbolo A, Çoker O, Cornec C, Dural S, Eder SJ, Moharrampour NG, Grassini S, Hristova E, Ikizer G, Kervyn N, Koyuncu M, Kunisato Y, Lins S, Mandzyk T, Mari S, Mattiassi AD, Memisoglu-Sanli A, Morelli M, Novaes FC, Parise M, Banai IP, Perun M, Plohl N, Sahli FZ, Šakan D, Smojver-Azic S, Solak Ç, Söylemez S, Toyama A, Wlodarczyk A, Yamada Y, Abad-Villaverde B, Afhami R, Akello G, Alami NH, Alma L, Argyrides M, Atamtürk D, Burduli N, Cardona S, Carneiro J, Castañeda A, Chałatkiewicz I, Chopik WJ, Chubinidze D, Conroy-Beam D, Contreras-Garduño J, da Silva DR, Don YB, Donato S, Dubrov D, Duračková M, Dutt S, Ebimgbo SO, Estevan I, Etchezahar E, Fedor P, Fekih-Romdhane F, Frackowiak T, Galasinska K, Gargula Ł, Gelbart B, Yepes TG, Hamdaoui B, Hromatko I, Itibi SN, Jaforte L, Janssen SM, Jovic M, Kertechian KS, Khan F, Kobylarek A, Koso-Drljevic M, Krasnodębska A, Križanić V, Landa-Blanco M, Mailhos A, Marot T, Dorcic TM, Martinez-Banfi M, Yusof MR, Mayorga-Lascano M, Mikuličiūtė V, Mišetić K, Musil B, Najmussaqib A, Muthu KN, Natividade JC, Ndukaihe IL, Nyhus EK, Oberzaucher E, Omar SS, Ostaszewski F, Pacquing MCT, Pagani AF, Park JH, Pirtskhalava E, Reips UD, Reyes MES, Röer JP, Şahin A, Samekin A, Sargautytė R, Semenovskikh T, Siepelmeyer H, Singh S, Sołtys A, Sorokowska A, Soto-López R, Sultanova L, Tamayo-Agudelo W, Tan CS, Topanova GT, Bulut MT, Trémolière B, Tulyakul S, Türkan BN, Urbanek A, Volkodav T, Walter KV, Yaakob MFM, Zumárraga-Espinosa M. Predictors of enhancing human physical attractiveness: Data from 93 countries. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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13
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The Cocksure Conundrum: How Evolution Created a Gendered Currency of Corporate Overconfidence. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-022-00197-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBiological differences between men and women mandate that women’s obligatory investment in reproduction is significantly greater than that of men. As a result, women have evolved to be the “choosier” of the two sexes and men have evolved to compete for female choice. To the degree that overconfidence is an effective tool for attracting mates and driving away competitors, greater competition among men suggests that they should express more overconfidence than women. Thus, sexual selection may be the primary reason why overconfidence is typically more pronounced in men than it is in women. Sexual selection may also be a distal, causal factor in what we describe as a cult of overconfidence pervading modern organizations and institutions. Whereas overconfidence was once regulated and constrained by features of ancestral life, levels of social mobility and accountability in contemporary society and modern organizations make it increasingly difficult to keep this gendered bias in check.
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Hormonal contraceptives as disruptors of competitive behavior: Theoretical framing and review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101015. [PMID: 35835214 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that hormonal contraceptives (HCs) impact psychological outcomes through alterations in neurophysiology. In this review, we first introduce a theoretical framework for HCs as disruptors of steroid hormone modulation of socially competitive attitudes and behaviors. Then, we comprehensively examine prior research comparing HC users and non-users in outcomes related to competition for reproductive, social, and financial resources. Synthesis of 46 studies (n = 16,290) led to several key conclusions: HC users do not show the same menstrual cycle-related fluctuations in self-perceived attractiveness and some intrasexual competition seen in naturally-cycling women and, further, may show relatively reduced status- or achievement-oriented competitive motivation. However, there a lack of consistent or compelling evidence that HC users and non-users differ in competitive behavior or attitudes for mates or financial resources. These conclusions are tentative given the notable methodological limitations of the studies reviewed. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
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Moreno-Bella E, Willis GB, Quiroga-Garza A, Moya M. Economic inequality shapes the agency–communion content of gender stereotypes. GROUP PROCESSES & INTERGROUP RELATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/13684302221095338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Economic inequality is a main issue in current societies, and it affects people’s psychological processes. In this research, we propose that perceived economic inequality might affect how people perceive men and women. In two experiments carried out in Spain ( N = 170) and Mexico ( N = 215), we tested whether high (vs. low) economic inequality leads to changes in the perceived agency and communion of both men and women. Our findings suggest that when economic inequality is high (vs. low), the communal content in social perceptions of both men and women decreases. Specifically, under high (vs. low) inequality, the difference in agency and communion ascribed to a man becomes greater (i.e., men are perceived as even more agentic than communal), whereas this difference becomes smaller for women (i.e., women are still perceived as more communal than agentic, but this difference is smaller). We discuss these findings’ implications regarding the psychosocial effects of economic inequality.
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Wang X, Chen H, Chen Z, Luo S. An exchange orientation results in an instrumental approach in intimate relationships. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 61:1144-1159. [PMID: 35274749 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Although the possession of instrumentality (i.e., partner B being useful to partner A's goal pursuit) can facilitate relationship satisfaction, taking an instrumental approach (i.e., A focusing on B's usefulness and seeing B as a tool to facilitate personal goal attainment) is (often) considered as a callous and depersonalized approach to forming relationships. The current research examined whether adopting an exchange orientation amplifies the tendency for people to take an instrumental approach via the motive to maximize self-gain. Four studies (N = 1446) utilizing samples across different countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and China, supported this hypothesis. Specifically, during relationship initiation, an exchange (vs. non-exchange) orientation made participants place higher importance on instrumentality rather than traits facilitating intimacy and bonding (Study 1). For established relationships, participants who chronically adopted an exchange orientation (Study 2) and who were temporarily induced to do so (vs. control; Study 3) were more likely to view their significant other as a tool. The final quasi-experiment (Study 4) showed that requiring or being required to offer a bride price - an embodiment of exchange orientation - predicted instrumentality in marriage and subsequently impaired relationship satisfaction. Implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijing Wang
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Social Psychology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhansheng Chen
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Shanhong Luo
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
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17
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Blake KR. Attractiveness Helps Women Secure Mates, But Also Status and Reproductively Relevant Resources. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:39-41. [PMID: 33666826 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01949-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Khandis R Blake
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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18
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Davis AC, Arnocky S. An Evolutionary Perspective on Appearance Enhancement Behavior. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3-37. [PMID: 33025291 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01745-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have highlighted numerous sociocultural factors that have been shown to underpin human appearance enhancement practices, including the influence of peers, family, the media, and sexual objectification. Fewer scholars have approached appearance enhancement from an evolutionary perspective or considered how sociocultural factors interact with evolved psychology to produce appearance enhancement behavior. Following others, we argue that evidence from the field of evolutionary psychology can complement existing sociocultural models by yielding unique insight into the historical and cross-cultural ubiquity of competition over aspects of physical appearance to embody what is desired by potential mates. An evolutionary lens can help to make sense of reliable sex and individual differences that impact appearance enhancement, as well as the context-dependent nature of putative adaptations that function to increase physical attractiveness. In the current review, appearance enhancement is described as a self-promotion strategy used to enhance reproductive success by rendering oneself more attractive than rivals to mates, thereby increasing one's mate value. The varied ways in which humans enhance their appearance are described, as well as the divergent tactics used by women and men to augment their appearance, which correspond to the preferences of opposite-sex mates in a heterosexual context. Evolutionarily relevant individual differences and contextual factors that vary predictably with appearance enhancement behavior are also discussed. The complementarity of sociocultural and evolutionary perspectives is emphasized and recommended avenues for future interdisciplinary research are provided for scholars interested in studying appearance enhancement behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Davis
- Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Steven Arnocky
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, P1B 8L7, Canada.
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19
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Bradshaw HK, DelPriore DJ. Beautification Is More than Mere Mate Attraction: Extending Evolutionary Perspectives on Female Appearance Enhancement. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:43-47. [PMID: 33646473 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01952-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Bradshaw
- Faculty of Psychology, Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA, USA
| | - Danielle J DelPriore
- Faculty of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, 3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, PA, 16601, USA.
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20
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Blake KR, Anjum G, Brooks RC. Family and Gendered Fitness Interests Effects on Attitudes Toward Women’s Veiling, Status-Seeking and Stereotyping of Women in Pakistan. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-021-00174-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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21
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Being a tough person in a tight world: Cultural tightness leads to a desire for muscularity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jesp.2021.104183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Kellie DJ, Blake KR, Brooks RC. Behind the makeup: The effects of cosmetics on women's self‐objectification, and their objectification by others. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dax J. Kellie
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre University of New South Wales Sydney 2052 Australia
| | - Khandis R. Blake
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre University of New South Wales Sydney 2052 Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences University of Melbourne Melbourne 3011 Australia
| | - Robert C. Brooks
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre University of New South Wales Sydney 2052 Australia
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23
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Wang X, Chen H, Chen Z, Yang Y. Women’s Intrasexual Competition Results in Beautification. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1948550620933403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Psychology research focuses primarily on male competition. This research, however, investigates women’s competition for love and the ideal partner in the mating market and reveals one psychological consequence for women, that is, beautification. This is demonstrated with ecologically valid, real-world archive and online search query data, a quasi-experiment, and a series of controlled experiments with random assignments. Intrasexual competition, indexed by the operational sex ratio (OSR) and income inequality (GINI), predicts women’s beautification reflected by Google search queries for cosmetic surgery terms (Study 1) and the density of certificated plastic surgeons (Study 2). Female college students from faculties with female-biased OSRs exhibit greater appearance focus than women from male-biased faculties (Study 3). A causal relationship, between women’s intrasexual competition and beautification (and even self-objectification), is subsequently demonstrated in experiments (Studies 4–6). Additionally, self-objectification due to intrasexual competition leads to women’s preference for appearance-oriented products (Study 6). Implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijing Wang
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Social Psychology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhansheng Chen
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Ying Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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