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Tang X, Hao Z, Li X. The influence of streamers' physical attractiveness on consumer response behavior: based on eye-tracking experiments. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1297369. [PMID: 38282839 PMCID: PMC10811056 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1297369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Live streaming marketing has become a popular topic of academic research. However, relatively few studies have been conducted in terms of the physical attractiveness of streamers, and even fewer studies have analyzed the changes in cognitive-emotional mechanisms that affect consumer response behavior. Based on SOR theory and cognitive-emotional system theory, this study proposes a theoretical research model and analyzes the internal mechanism of streamers' physical attractiveness affecting consumers' response using a combination of eye-tracking experiments and questionnaires. The results showed that: compared to streamers with lower physical attractiveness, consumers pay longer attention to streamers and products with higher physical attractiveness, and their response behaviors (continued watching intention, continued engagement intention, and purchase intention) are more active; compared to consumers with low involvement, consumers with high involvement pay longer attention to the product and perceive the process for a longer period of time; and quasi-social interaction and the flow experience play the role of a chain mediator between streamers' physical attractiveness and consumers' response behaviors. This study not only has certain theoretical significance for expanding the applicable boundaries of the physical appearance halo effect, but also has important practical significance for live broadcasting e-commerce companies to effectively adopt visual marketing and enhance customer retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Tang
- School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
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2
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Bahlmann MD. Physical attractiveness, same-sex stimuli, and male venture capitalists' financial risk-taking. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1259143. [PMID: 38282844 PMCID: PMC10811096 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1259143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Financial risk-taking is central to venture capital decision-making, which is increasingly approached from a heuristics and biases perspective. While previous research has identified entrepreneurs’ physical attractiveness as an important heuristic cue in VCs’ investment decisions, this study addresses the role of VCs’ own physical attractiveness in relation to the financial risks they take. Using a dataset for a representative sample of 341 male entrepreneur and male VC dyads in the context of stage financing, this study finds that VCs of below-average attractiveness are more sensitive to the physical attractiveness of the entrepreneur when compared to VCs of average attractiveness. Also, the nature of this effect changes from the first to the second investment round for VCs of below-average attractiveness. Combined, these findings imply that VCs’ funding decisions may be subject to mechanisms that stem from their own physical attractiveness. Theoretical implications for VC decision-making and same-sex stimuli are discussed.
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Abstract
Individuals and organizations are increasing efforts to address discrimination. Nonexperts may lack awareness of, or are resistant to, scientifically informed strategies for reducing discrimination, instead relying on intuition. Five studies investigated the accuracy of nonexperts' intuitions about reducing discrimination concerning physical attractiveness. In Studies 1a to 1c (N = 902), participants predicted the effectiveness of six interventions to reduce attractiveness-based favoritism on a judgment task. Studies 2a and 2b (N = 6,292) investigated the effectiveness of these interventions. Although two interventions reduced discrimination, intuitions were poorly aligned with actual results; fewer than 1% of participants identified the combination of interventions that did, versus did not, impact judgment, and responses were more likely to be below than above chance when predicting each intervention's effectiveness. Although follow-up work should investigate the accuracy of intuition in other forms of discrimination, these results further stress the need for greater development and adoption of evidence-based strategies for combating discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R Axt
- McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Project Implicit, Seattle, WA, USA
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4
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Eberl A, Kühn J, Wolbring T. Using deepfakes for experiments in the social sciences - A pilot study. Front Sociol 2022; 7:907199. [PMID: 36524213 PMCID: PMC9745035 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2022.907199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The advent of deepfakes - the manipulation of audio records, images and videos based on deep learning techniques - has important implications for science and society. Current studies focus primarily on the detection and dangers of deepfakes. In contrast, less attention is paid to the potential of this technology for substantive research - particularly as an approach for controlled experimental manipulations in the social sciences. In this paper, we aim to fill this research gap and argue that deepfakes can be a valuable tool for conducting social science experiments. To demonstrate some of the potentials and pitfalls of deepfakes, we conducted a pilot study on the effects of physical attractiveness on student evaluations of teachers. To this end, we created a deepfake video varying the physical attractiveness of the instructor as compared to the original video and asked students to rate the presentation and instructor. First, our results show that social scientists without special knowledge in computer science can successfully create a credible deepfake within reasonable time. Student ratings of the quality of the two videos were comparable and students did not detect the deepfake. Second, we use deepfakes to examine a substantive research question: whether there are differences in the ratings of a physically more and a physically less attractive instructor. Our suggestive evidence points toward a beauty penalty. Thus, our study supports the idea that deepfakes can be used to introduce systematic variations into experiments while offering a high degree of experimental control. Finally, we discuss the feasibility of deepfakes as an experimental manipulation and the ethical challenges of using deepfakes in experiments.
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Abstract
This paper explores the role of physical attractiveness in affecting women's intra-household bargaining power. The empirical analysis based on the China Family Panel Studies finds that physical attractiveness significantly increases women's intra-household bargaining power. To solve the endogenous problem of physical attractiveness, we employ an instrument-variable-based regression to corroborate the conclusion. Using generalized structural equation model, we show that income, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationship are three possible transmission channels (or mediators) between physical attractiveness and women's intra-household bargaining power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwu Li
- School of Economics, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
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6
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Zhu C, Liu Z, Pei M, Su Y. Effects of photographer physical attractiveness on photograph aesthetic value assessment. Perception 2022; 51:505-513. [PMID: 35581900 DOI: 10.1177/03010066221098158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Existent studies have demonstrated that being physically attractive leads to preferences and rewards in various scenarios involving performance evaluation. In this study, we explored whether a photographer's physical attractiveness could affect others' assessment of a photograph's aesthetic value. Participants (N=54) accomplished an online task to pair portraits and non-portrait photographs, followed by completing two questionnaires on cognitive reflection and empathy. Analytical results revealed that an attractive photographer was more likely to be associated with a highly aesthetic photograph, and this bias was moderated by the participant's level of cognitive reflection and empathy. Meanwhile, it could be reduced by the participant's professional experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Zhu
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, 12465Peking University, China.,School of Design and Fashion, 91616Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Zan Liu
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, 12465Peking University, China
| | - Meng Pei
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, 12465Peking University, China
| | - Yanjie Su
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, 12465Peking University, China
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7
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Masch L, Gassner A, Rosar U. Can a beautiful smile win the vote?: The role of candidates' physical attractiveness and facial expressions in elections. Politics Life Sci 2021; 40:213-23. [PMID: 34825810 DOI: 10.1017/pls.2021.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Several empirical studies have linked political candidates' electoral success to their physical appearance. We reexamine the effects of candidates' physical attractiveness by taking into account emotional facial expressions as measured by automated facial recognition software. The analysis is based on an observational case study of candidate characteristics in the 2017 German federal election. Using hierarchical regression modeling and controlling for candidates' displays of happiness, consistent effects of physical attractiveness remain. The results suggest that a potential interaction effect between displays of happiness and attractiveness positively affects vote shares. The study emphasizes the importance of considering emotional expressions when analyzing the impact of candidate appearance on electoral outcomes.
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Grosz MP, Hartmann I, Dufner M, Leckelt M, Gerlach TM, Rauthmann JF, Denissen JJA, Küfner ACP, Back MD. A Process × Domain Assessment of Narcissism: The Domain-Specific Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire. Assessment 2021; 29:1482-1495. [PMID: 34085540 PMCID: PMC9434250 DOI: 10.1177/10731911211020075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Research on grandiose narcissism distinguishes between self-promotional processes (i.e., narcissistic admiration) and other-derogative processes (i.e., narcissistic rivalry; Back et al., 2013). Moreover, research has begun to assess and investigate narcissistic manifestations in different domains (e.g., communal narcissism). To integrate these two lines of research, we developed the Domain-Specific Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire (D-NARQ), a 72-item narcissism questionnaire that contains a self-promotional process scale (narcissistic admiration) and an other-derogatory process scale (narcissistic rivalry) for four domains: intellectual ability, social dominance, communal care, and physical attractiveness. We investigated the psychometric properties of the D-NARQ in a large online study (N = 1,635). Model fit statistics were largely in line with the theorized factor structure. The D-NARQ scales had good to very good measurement precision, and their correlations with established narcissism scales, the Big Five personality traits, and comparative self-evaluations largely supported their convergent and discriminant validity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Dufner
- Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.,Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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9
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Arantes J, Pinho M, Wearden J, Albuquerque PB. "Time Slows Down Whenever You Are Around" for Women but Not for Men. Front Psychol 2021; 12:641729. [PMID: 33889113 PMCID: PMC8056007 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.641729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
What happens when we unexpectedly see an attractive potential partner? Previous studies in laboratory settings suggest that the visualization of attractive and unattractive photographs influences the perception of time. The major aim of this research is to study time perception and attraction in a realistic social scenario, by investigating if changes in subjective time measured during a speed dating are associated with attraction. The duration of the dates was variable and participants had to estimate the time that passed. Among other measures, participants also rated the potential partners in terms of their physical attractiveness before and after the dates and reported if they would like to exchange contact with them. Results showed that, in a real speed dating situation, when there is a perception of the partner as being physically more attractive, women tend to overestimate the duration of that meeting, whereas men tend to underestimate its duration. Such changes may reflect evolutionary adaptations which make the human cognitive system more responsive in situations related to reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Arantes
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - John Wearden
- School of Psychology, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
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10
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Liu Y, Liu H, Liu Z. The Relationship of Self-Presentation, Psychological Needs, and Exercise Dependence in College Students With Overweight. Front Psychol 2021; 11:625501. [PMID: 33551935 PMCID: PMC7862777 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.625501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objectives of the study were to explore the effect of self-presentation and psychological needs on exercise dependence and to provide an essential reference for preventing and inhibiting the production of exercise dependence in overweight college students. Methods The freshmen in two comprehensive universities accepted physical fitness tests, filled out the scales of self-presentation, psychological needs, and exercise dependence after obtaining their consent. A sample of 747 overweight college students who have regular exercise was screened using the formula of Fox sports participation and the standard of overweight for Chinese adults. Multiple regression, exploratory factor, and confirmatory factor analyses were used to analyze the related data. Results (1) In overweight college students, compared with the lower peers, those with higher physical attractiveness were more likely to suffer from detoxification of emotion, physiology, and vitality, and compared with the lower peers, those with higher self-presentation were more likely to appear in physiological abstinence. (2) The self-presentation of overweight male and female students has a significant positive influence on psychological needs (beta = 0.31, p < 0.01, and 0.37, p < 0.01, respectively, for males and females) and exercise dependence (beta = −0.21, p < 0.01, and 0.26, p < 0.01, respectively, for males and females). In contrast, psychological needs have a significant negative influence on exercise dependence (beta = −0.21, p < 0.01, and −0.26, p < 0.01, respectively, for males and females). (3) The psychological needs of overweight male and female college students were established as the mediating effect of self-presentation and exercise dependence. The mediating effect of psychological needs of females was higher than that of males (18.5 vs. 15.5%). The “ability display” of male and female students can affect “emotional distress” by “autonomy” and “competence.” The sense of relationship partially mediated the “attractiveness” of male and female students. Also, females on the one hand, rely on “weight control” by “competence” to produce some mediating effects on “physiological distress.” At the same time, the “ability display” by “competence” has a full mediating effect on “physiological distress.” Conclusion In the self-presentation of the overweight college students, the higher scores in “attractiveness,” “weight control,” and “ability display,” the higher the psychological needs and exercise dependence; the higher the autonomy, competence, and relationship, the less the emotional, physiological, and dynamic distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- YiWen Liu
- School of Physical Education, North Sichuan Medical College, Nangchong, China
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Physical Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - ZhongQiang Liu
- School of Physical Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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11
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Peng C, Mao Y, Pagliaro S, Roberts S, Livi S. Are Individuals Perceived as More Attractive within a Group? A Confirmative Study of Group Attractiveness Effect and the Cheerleader Effect in China. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:E344. [PMID: 32957676 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The stereotype "what is beautiful is good" suggests that having an attractive physical appearance is very important to people's lives. Physical attractiveness, as an important personal trait, plays vital roles for shaping one's first impression, and for influencing one's subsequent evaluation and selection, based on obvious visual features. However, the contextual difference of the physical attractiveness between a group and its group members has been given less attention. For this reason, Van Osch et al. proposed and tested that the perceived physical attractiveness of a group is greater than the average attractiveness of its members (GA-effect), while Walker and Vul found that an individual as a group member is perceived to be more attractive in group context than in isolation (cheerleader effect). Our present work seeks to replicate these two effects on a sample of 1005 Chinese participants to check whether such effects also exist in China, a collectivist culture. Participants were asked to rate the degree of attractiveness presented in each photo stimuli and in each rating condition, and the results show that: (a) the participants' ratings of physical attractiveness of a group was significantly higher than the average attractiveness of its members (i.e., replicating the GA-effect); (b) the participants' ratings of physical attractiveness of an individual was evaluated higher in a group than in isolation (i.e., replicating the cheerleader effect); and (c) the larger the group size, the larger the GA-effect. This validating study may aid in understanding human behavior, judgments, and perceptions according to the GA-effect and the cheerleader effect used in a different context in China.
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12
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Hui CM, Lui KFH, Lai WY, Wong YK, Wong ACN. Beauty and the beast: Promotion concerns and the pursuit of physically attractive mates. J Pers 2019; 88:892-907. [PMID: 31841226 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the mating market, individuals differ in their aspirations to pursue opposite-sex mates who have a relatively higher (vs. similar) level of physical attractiveness. Few studies have explored how motivational concerns outside the mating domain can account for these individual differences in romantic aspiration. Based on regulatory focus theory, this research tested how broad concerns for promotion and prevention influence the aspiration and dating outcome. METHOD Four studies tested whether promotion concerns increase romantic aspiration and the chance to mate with a more physically attractive partner. The first three studies tested how promotion concerns, either measured (Studies 1a and 2) or manipulated (Study 1b), can influence romantic aspiration. Study 3 further tested how one's chronic promotion concerns are related to the physical attractiveness of the current partner (as rated by observers). RESULTS The first three studies supported the prediction that promotion concerns increase aspiration to pursue more physically attractive mates. The last study also found that, controlling for their own physical attractiveness, individuals with stronger promotion concerns tend to mate with physically attractive partners. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the significant roles of broad motivational concerns in determining both aspiration and chance to date a more physically attractive partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Ming Hui
- Department of Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kelvin F H Lui
- Department of Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Wing Yu Lai
- Department of Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yetta Kwailing Wong
- Department of Educational Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Alan C N Wong
- Department of Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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13
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French JE, Meltzer AL. Maximizing Tendencies in Marriage: Accentuating the Implications of Readily Observable Partner Characteristics for Intimates' Satisfaction. Pers Soc Psychol Bull 2019; 45:1468-1481. [PMID: 30836826 DOI: 10.1177/0146167219832337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
People differ in their tendencies to labor over decisions and to make choices that maximize their outcomes-a difference known as maximization. Here, we used two independent, 3-year longitudinal studies of newlywed couples to demonstrate that this individual difference in decision making has important implications for romantic relationships. Consistent with the idea that maximizers are more likely to compare their current romantic partners to potential alternative partners' readily observable qualities, such as their physical attractiveness and status, results demonstrated that intimates' maximization moderated the implications of these sex-differentiated variables for marital satisfaction. Specifically, maximizing men who had attractive (vs. unattractive) wives were more satisfied at the start of their marriages. Likewise, maximizing women who had high (vs. low) status husbands experienced less steep declines in satisfaction over time. These findings demonstrate that maximization has important implications for long-term romantic relationships by accentuating the effects of readily observable partner qualities on relationship outcomes.
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Bluehm K. Commentary: Commentary: Beauty Requires Thought. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1917. [PMID: 30356778 PMCID: PMC6189463 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
Researchers have found that a disproportionate percentage of men diagnosed with eating disorders identify as gay, and there is extensive evidence that gay men have significantly more body image concerns than heterosexual men (Bosley, 2011). The current studies investigated whether pluralistic ignorance exists about what is considered attractive in the gay community. It was hypothesized that gay males would privately reject the notion that only a mesomorphic (thin and muscular) body type is attractive, yet incorrectly assume that their peers are attracted primarily to a mesomorphic body type. The studies found evidence for the existence of pluralistic ignorance about what is considered attractive in the gay community. Further, there was evidence for a significant association between pluralistic ignorance and body image concerns, particularly among men who were not in committed romantic relationships.
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Schofield TJ, Robins RW, Fox J, Abraham WT, Cutrona C. Family health and income: A two-sample replication. J Fam Psychol 2018; 32:632-642. [PMID: 29999344 PMCID: PMC6072564 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined psychological and family health predictors of change over time in household income, using data from longitudinal studies of African American (N = 889, 93.5% female) and Mexican origin (N = 674, 100% female) families. Participants self-reported their household income, as well as their emotional, personality, and cognitive resources. Participant behavioral and physical resources were coded from observed family interactions. Although income did not predict change in any personal resources, all five classes of personal resources (i.e., emotional, personality, cognitive, behavioral, physical) predicted change in income across a 10-year span (Study 1) and a 6-year span (Study 2). Income is potentially caused by these personal resources, or both income and these personal resources share a common cause. The dominant approach of assuming income causes personal and family health needs stronger support. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jonathan Fox
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies
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17
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Bowdring MA, Sayette MA. Perception of physical attractiveness when consuming and not consuming alcohol: a meta-analysis. Addiction 2018; 113:1585-1597. [PMID: 29660184 DOI: 10.1111/add.14227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Elucidating why people drink and why drinking can lead to negative psychosocial consequences remains a crucial task for alcohol researchers. Because drinking occurs typically in social settings, broader investigation of the associations between alcohol and social experience is needed to advance understanding of both the rewarding and hazardous effects of alcohol use. This review aimed to (a) estimate alcohol's relation to the perception of others' physical attractiveness and (b) suggest theoretical and methodological considerations that may advance the study of this topic. METHODS Systematic review of Scopus and PsycInfo databases was conducted to identify experimental and quasi-experimental studies, with either between- or within-subjects designs, that assessed attractiveness ratings provided by individuals who had and had not consumed alcohol (k = 16 studies, n = 1811). A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate alcohol's aggregate association with physical attractiveness perceptions. Separate a priori secondary analyses examined alcohol's associations with perception of opposite-sex (k = 12 studies) and same-sex (k = 7 studies) attractiveness. RESULTS The primary analysis indicated that alcohol was related significantly to enhanced attractiveness perceptions [d = 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.05-0.32, P = 0.01; I2 = 5.28, 95% CI = 0.00-39.32]. Analysis of alcohol's association with perception of opposite-sex attractiveness similarly yielded a small, significant positive association (d = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.16-0.44, P < 0.01; I2 = 17.49, 95% CI = 0.00-57.75). Alcohol's relation to perception of same-sex attractiveness was not significant (d = 0.04, 95% CI = -0.18 to 0.26, P = 0.71; I2 = 54.08, 95% CI = 0.00-81.66). CONCLUSIONS Experimental and quasi-experimental studies suggest that consuming alcohol may have a small effect of increasing perceived attractiveness of people of the opposite sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A Bowdring
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael A Sayette
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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18
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Mello J, Garcia-Marques T. The attractiveness-positivity link: Let's contextualize it. J Soc Psychol 2018; 158:639-645. [PMID: 29485361 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2018.1445614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The statement "what is beautiful is good" reflects a persuasive heuristic that may be supported either by a general association of attractiveness with positivity or by a specific association with the perceived credibility of an attractive source. In one study (N = 58), we approach this question using an explicit and an implicit measure (Stroop Task) to assess whether attractiveness is more likely associated with valenced words when these are related (vs. unrelated) to credibility. Results show that this effect occurs but only for the implicit measure. When the word-face associations were made at an explicit level, we found a general association between positivity and attractiveness, unrestricted to the dimension of credibility. We discuss how these results inform about attractiveness as a shortcut to judgments of validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Mello
- a William James Center for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário , Lisboa
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19
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Lewis DMG, Russell EM, Al-Shawaf L, Ta V, Senveli Z, Ickes W, Buss DM. Why Women Wear High Heels: Evolution, Lumbar Curvature, and Attractiveness. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1875. [PMID: 29180972 PMCID: PMC5693914 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the widespread use of high-heeled footwear in both developing and modernized societies, we lack an understanding of this behavioral phenomenon at both proximate and distal levels of explanation. The current manuscript advances and tests a novel, evolutionarily anchored hypothesis for why women wear high heels, and provides convergent support for this hypothesis across multiple methods. Using a recently discovered evolved mate preference, we hypothesized that high heels influence women's attractiveness via effects on their lumbar curvature. Independent studies that employed distinct methods, eliminated multiple confounds, and ruled out alternative explanations showed that when women wear high heels, their lumbar curvature increased and they were perceived as more attractive. Closer analysis revealed an even more precise pattern aligning with human evolved psychology: high-heeled footwear increased women's attractiveness only when wearing heels altered their lumbar curvature to be closer to an evolutionarily optimal angle. These findings illustrate how human evolved psychology can contribute to and intersect with aspects of cultural evolution, highlighting that the two are not independent or autonomous processes but rather are deeply intertwined.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. G. Lewis
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Eric M. Russell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Laith Al-Shawaf
- Department of Psychology, The University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Vivian Ta
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Zeynep Senveli
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - William Ickes
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - David M. Buss
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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20
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Atari M, Barbaro N, Sela Y, Shackelford TK, Chegeni R. Consideration of Cosmetic Surgery As Part of Women's Benefit-Provisioning Mate Retention Strategy. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1389. [PMID: 28855884 PMCID: PMC5557785 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals perform mate retention behaviors to minimize the risk of partner infidelity and relationship dissolution. The current study investigates whether consideration of cosmetic surgery can be conceptualized as part of a broader strategy of mate retention for women, but not men. We hypothesized that women's consideration of cosmetic surgery would be positively associated with performance frequencies of Benefit-Provisioning and Cost-Inflicting mate retention behaviors. We recruited 203 individuals (54% women) in committed heterosexual relationships from Tehran, Iran. Results indicate a positive association between consideration of cosmetic surgery and Benefit-Provisioning mate retention behaviors for women, but not men. There was no association between consideration of cosmetic surgery and Cost-Inflicting mate retention behaviors. Women therefore may consider cosmetic surgery to improve their physical attractiveness as part of a Benefit-Provisioning strategy to retain a long-term mate. We discuss limitations of the study and highlight future directions for research from an evolutionary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Atari
- Department of Psychology, University of TehranTehran, Iran
| | - Nicole Barbaro
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, RochesterMI, United States
| | - Yael Sela
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, RochesterMI, United States
| | - Todd K Shackelford
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, RochesterMI, United States
| | - Razieh Chegeni
- Department of Psychology, Alzahra UniversityTehran, Iran
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Severi Luoto
- English, Drama and Writing Studies, University of AucklandAuckland, New Zealand.,School of Psychology, University of AucklandAuckland, New Zealand
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22
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Pawłowski B, Nowak J, Borkowska B, Augustyniak D, Drulis-Kawa Z. Body height and immune efficacy: testing body stature as a signal of biological quality. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:20171372. [PMID: 28724741 PMCID: PMC5543236 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the good genes hypothesis and energy allocation theory, human adult body height may reflect biological quality. An important aspect of this quality is immune system functioning (ISF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ISF and body height in healthy people. The ISF was determined by several important innate (total complement and lysozyme activity, neutrophil function) and adaptive immune parameters (lymphocytes, IgA and IgG, and response to the flu vaccine). Overall, 96 males and 97 females were subjected to flu vaccination, and of these, 35 males and 34 females were subjected to tetanus. Blood samples were collected before and four weeks after vaccination. Immunomodulatory factors, participant's age, body fat, and free testosterone levels, were controlled. There was no association between body height and all analysed immune parameters for both sexes. That might suggest that in Western society, a women's preference for taller men is not related to 'good genes for immune competence'. We propose the novel Immunity Priority Hypothesis that explains the lack of relationship between adult body stature and ISF. This hypothesis, however, does not contradict the signalling role of a man's body height as a morphological marker of biological quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judyta Nowak
- Department of Human Biology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Daria Augustyniak
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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23
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Groyecka A, Pisanski K, Sorokowska A, Havlíček J, Karwowski M, Puts D, Roberts SC, Sorokowski P. Attractiveness Is Multimodal: Beauty Is Also in the Nose and Ear of the Beholder. Front Psychol 2017; 8:778. [PMID: 28572777 PMCID: PMC5436296 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Attractiveness plays a central role in human non-verbal communication and has been broadly examined in diverse subfields of contemporary psychology. Researchers have garnered compelling evidence in support of the evolutionary functions of physical attractiveness and its role in our daily lives, while at the same time, having largely ignored the significant contribution of non-visual modalities and the relationships among them. Acoustic and olfactory cues can, separately or in combination, strongly influence the perceived attractiveness of an individual and therefore attitudes and actions toward that person. Here, we discuss the relative importance of visual, auditory and olfactory traits in judgments of attractiveness, and review neural and behavioral studies that support the highly complex and multimodal nature of person perception. Further, we discuss three alternative evolutionary hypotheses aimed at explaining the function of multiple indices of attractiveness. In this review, we provide several lines of evidence supporting the importance of the voice, body odor, and facial and body appearance in the perception of attractiveness and mate preferences, and therefore the critical need to incorporate cross-modal perception and multisensory integration into future research on human physical attractiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Groyecka
- Institute of Psychology, University of WroclawWroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pisanski
- Institute of Psychology, University of WroclawWroclaw, Poland
- Mammal Vocal Communication and Cognition Research Group, School of Psychology, University of SussexSussex, United Kingdom
| | - Agnieszka Sorokowska
- Institute of Psychology, University of WroclawWroclaw, Poland
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Technische Universität DresdenDresden, Germany
| | - Jan Havlíček
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles UniversityPrague, Czechia
| | | | - David Puts
- Department of Anthropology–Center for Brain, Behavior, and Cognition–Center for Human Evolution and Diversity, The Pennsylvania State University, University ParkPA, United States
| | - S. Craig Roberts
- Division of Psychology, University of StirlingStirling, United Kingdom
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24
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Xiao Q, Li A, Zhu Y. Moral Judgments on Short-Term Sexual Behaviors among Chinese College Students: Exploring the Roles of Gender and Physical Attractiveness. Front Psychol 2017; 8:191. [PMID: 28243218 PMCID: PMC5303732 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianguo Xiao
- Laboratory of Emotion and Mental Health, Chongqing University of Arts and SciencesChongqing, China; School of Education, Inner Mongolia Normal UniversityHohhot, China
| | - Aijuan Li
- School of Education, Inner Mongolia Normal UniversityHohhot, China; College of Humanities, Inner Mongolia University of TechnologyHohhot, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University Shenzhen, China
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25
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Lassek WD, Gaulin SJC. What Makes Jessica Rabbit Sexy? Contrasting Roles of Waist and Hip Size. Evol Psychol 2016; 14:1474704916643459. [PMCID: PMC10481102 DOI: 10.1177/1474704916643459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While waist/hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) have been the most studied putative determinants of female bodily attractiveness, BMI is not directly observable, and few studies have considered the independent roles of waist and hip size. The range of attractiveness in many studies is also quite limited, with none of the stimuli rated as highly attractive. To explore the relationships of these anthropometric parameters with attractiveness across a much broader spectrum of attractiveness, we employ three quite different samples: a large sample of college women, a larger sample of Playboy Playmates of the Month than that has been previously examined, and a large pool of imaginary women (e.g., cartoon, video game, graphic novel characters) chosen as the “most attractive” by university students. Within-sample and between-sample comparisons agree in indicating that waist size is the key determinant of female bodily attractiveness and accounts for the relationship of both BMI and WHR with attractiveness, with between-sample effect sizes of 2.4–3.2. In contrast, hip size is much more similar across attractiveness groups and is unrelated to attractiveness when BMI or waist size is controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D. Lassek
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven J. C. Gaulin
- Department of Anthropology, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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26
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Lee AJ, Mitchem DG, Wright MJ, Martin NG, Keller MC, Zietsch BP. Facial averageness and genetic quality: Testing heritability, genetic correlation with attractiveness, and the paternal age effect. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2016; 37:61-66. [PMID: 26858521 DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Popular theory suggests that facial averageness is preferred in a partner for genetic benefits to offspring. However, whether facial averageness is associated with genetic quality is yet to be established. Here, we computed an objective measure of facial averageness for a large sample (N = 1,823) of identical and nonidentical twins and their siblings to test two predictions from the theory that facial averageness reflects genetic quality. First, we use biometrical modelling to estimate the heritability of facial averageness, which is necessary if it reflects genetic quality. We also test for a genetic association between facial averageness and facial attractiveness. Second, we assess whether paternal age at conception (a proxy of mutation load) is associated with facial averageness and facial attractiveness. Our findings are mixed with respect to our hypotheses. While we found that facial averageness does have a genetic component, and a significant phenotypic correlation exists between facial averageness and attractiveness, we did not find a genetic correlation between facial averageness and attractiveness (therefore, we cannot say that the genes that affect facial averageness also affect facial attractiveness) and paternal age at conception was not negatively associated with facial averageness. These findings support some of the previously untested assumptions of the 'genetic benefits' account of facial averageness, but cast doubt on others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Lee
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dorian G Mitchem
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America; Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Margaret J Wright
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas G Martin
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew C Keller
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America; Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Brendan P Zietsch
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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27
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Tornquist M, Chiappe D. Effects of Humor Production, Humor Receptivity, and Physical Attractiveness on Partner Desirability. Evol Psychol 2015; 13:1474704915608744. [PMID: 37924198 PMCID: PMC10480874 DOI: 10.1177/1474704915608744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined women's and men's preferences for humor production and humor receptivity in long-term and short-term relationships, and how these factors interact with physical attractiveness to influence desirability. Undergraduates viewed photographs of the opposite sex individuals who were high or low in physical attractiveness, along with vignettes varying in humor production and receptivity. Participants rated physical attractiveness and desirability for long-term and short-term relationships. The main findings were that individuals desired partners who were high in humor production and receptivity, though the effects were particularly pronounced for women judging long-term relationships. Moreover, humor production was more important than receptivity for women's ratings of male desirability. Notably, we also found that ratings of physical attractiveness were influenced by the humor conditions. These results are discussed in terms of the fitness indicator, interest indicator, and encryption hypotheses of the evolutionary functions of humor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Tornquist
- Department of Psychology, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Dan Chiappe
- Department of Psychology, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
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28
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van Osch Y, Blanken I, Meijs MHJ, van Wolferen J. A group's physical attractiveness is greater than the average attractiveness of its members: the group attractiveness effect. Pers Soc Psychol Bull 2015; 41:559-74. [PMID: 25733515 DOI: 10.1177/0146167215572799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We tested whether the perceived physical attractiveness of a group is greater than the average attractiveness of its members. In nine studies, we find evidence for the so-called group attractiveness effect (GA-effect), using female, male, and mixed-gender groups, indicating that group impressions of physical attractiveness are more positive than the average ratings of the group members. A meta-analysis on 33 comparisons reveals that the effect is medium to large (Cohen's d = 0.60) and moderated by group size. We explored two explanations for the GA-effect: (a) selective attention to attractive group members, and (b) the Gestalt principle of similarity. The results of our studies are in favor of the selective attention account: People selectively attend to the most attractive members of a group and their attractiveness has a greater influence on the evaluation of the group.
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29
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Price ME, Brown S, Dukes A, Kang J. Bodily attractiveness and egalitarianism are negatively related in males. Evol Psychol 2015; 13:140-66. [PMID: 25664560 PMCID: PMC10426882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ancestrally, relatively attractive individuals and relatively formidable males may have had reduced incentives to be egalitarian (i.e., to act in accordance with norms promoting social equality). If selection calibrated one's egalitarianism to one's attractiveness/formidability, then such people may exhibit reduced egalitarianism ("observed egalitarianism") and be perceived by others as less egalitarian ("perceived egalitarianism") in modern environments. To investigate, we created 3D body models of 125 participants to use both as a source of anthropometric measurements and as stimuli to obtain ratings of bodily attractiveness and perceived egalitarianism. We also measured observed egalitarianism (via an economic "dictator" game) and indices of political egalitarianism (preference for socialism over capitalism) and "equity sensitivity." Results indicated higher egalitarianism levels in women than in men, and moderate-to-strong negative relationships between (a) attractiveness and observed egalitarianism among men, (b) attractiveness and perceived egalitarianism among both sexes, and (c) formidability and perceived egalitarianism among men. We did not find support for two previously-reported findings: that observed egalitarianism and formidability are negatively related in men, and that wealth and formidability interact to explain variance in male egalitarianism. However, this lack of support may have been due to differences in variable measurement between our study and previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stuart Brown
- Department of Psychology, Brunel University, London, UK
| | - Amber Dukes
- Department of Psychology, Brunel University, London, UK
| | - Jinsheng Kang
- School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University, London, UK
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30
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Russell VM, McNulty JK, Baker LR, Meltzer AL. The association between discontinuing hormonal contraceptives and wives' marital satisfaction depends on husbands' facial attractiveness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:17081-6. [PMID: 25404285 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1414784111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
How are hormonal contraceptives (HCs) related to marital well-being? Some work suggests HCs suppress biological processes associated with women's preferences for partner qualities reflective of genetic fitness, qualities that may be summarized by facial attractiveness. Given that realizing such interpersonal preferences positively predicts relationship satisfaction, any changes in women's preferences associated with changes in their HC use may interact with partner facial attractiveness to predict women's relationship satisfaction. We tested this possibility using two longitudinal studies of 118 newlywed couples. Trained observers objectively rated husbands' facial attractiveness in both studies. In study 1, wives reported their marital satisfaction every 6 mo for 4 y and then reported the history of their HC use for their relationship. In study 2, wives reported whether they were using HCs when they met their husbands and then their marital satisfaction and HC use every 4 mo for up to three waves. In both studies, and in an analysis that combined the data from both studies, wives who were using HCs when they formed their relationship with their husband were less satisfied with their marriage when they discontinued HCs if their husband had a relatively less attractive face, but more satisfied if their husband had a relatively more attractive face. Beginning HCs demonstrated no consistent associations with marital satisfaction. Incongruency between HC use at relationship formation and current HC use was negatively associated with sexual satisfaction, regardless of husbands' facial attractiveness. These findings suggest that HC use may have unintended implications for women's close relationships.
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31
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Bale C, Archer J. Self-perceived attractiveness, romantic desirability and self-esteem: a mating sociometer perspective. Evol Psychol 2013; 11:68-84. [PMID: 23353113 PMCID: PMC10480979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sociometer theory proposes that self-esteem is an adaptation which evolved to monitor and regulate interpersonal relationships. It is therefore sensitive to self-assessments in domains relevant to relational desirability. Positive relationships between self-perceived physical attractiveness and self-esteem found in previous studies may reflect the functioning of a mating sociometer, designed to monitor individuals' desirability as romantic or sexual partners. We thus predicted that these relationships should be mediated by self-perceptions of romantic desirability, or more specifically, individuals' confidence in their abilities to successfully establish and maintain romantic relationships. Two hundred and eighty seven young adults (98 male) completed an online measure of self-perceived attractiveness, together with measures of self-confidence in appearance and romantic relationships, body-esteem and global self-esteem. Linear regression analyses indicated that self-perceived attractiveness, self-confidence in appearance and body-esteem all significantly predicted self-esteem, and that in each case, the relationship was mediated by romantic self-confidence. Self-perceived attractiveness predicted self-esteem significantly more strongly in females than in males. We discuss these results in relation to sociometer and parental investment theories, and explore limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Bale
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK.
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Schmitt DP. When the difference is in the details: a critique of Zentner and Mitura (2012) "Stepping out of the caveman's shadow: Nations' gender gap predicts degree of sex differentiation in mate preferences". Evol Psychol 2012; 10:720-6. [PMID: 23107773 PMCID: PMC10480977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In a recent 10-nation study, Zentner and Mitura (2012) reported observing smaller sex differences in mate preferences within nations that have higher gender parity. As noted in previous research, and in a re-analysis of Zentner and Mitura's own data, sex differences in some mate preferences (e.g., long-term mate preferences for physical attractiveness) are either unrelated to or actually get larger with higher national gender parity. It is critically important to distinguish among mate preference domains when looking for patterns of sexual differentiation across nations. Indeed, for many psychological domains (e.g., attachment styles, Big Five traits, Dark Triad traits, self-esteem, personal values, depression, emotional expression, crying behavior, intimate partner violence, tested mental abilities, health indicators; see Schmitt, 2012), sex differences are demonstrably larger in nations with higher sociopolitical gender parity. By not distinguishing among mate preferences, Zentner and Mitura committed a form of the ecological fallacy-making false conclusions about individual mate preferences when looking only at associations among groups of mate preferences.
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33
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Sorokowski P, Sorokowska A. Judgments of sexual attractiveness: a study of the Yali tribe in Papua. Arch Sex Behav 2012; 41:1209-18. [PMID: 22350125 PMCID: PMC3474915 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-012-9906-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Preferences for waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), sexual dimorphism in stature (SDS), and leg-to-body ratio (LBR) have been investigated predominantly in Western cultures. The aim of the present study was to examine the preferences of a relatively isolated, indigenous population (i.e., Yali of Papua, inhabiting the mountainous terrain east of the Baliem valley). A total of 53 women and 52 men participated in the study. Study sites differed in distance from Wamena, the biggest settlement in the region, and frequency of tourists' visits. We found that the mate preferences among Yali men and women for WHR, LBR, and SDS were not exactly the same as in Western samples. Yali preferred low women's WHR and relatively high women's (but not men's) LBR. Women's and men's ratings of each SDS set were similar, which suggests that the "male-taller norm" in Yali tribe was far weaker than in Western cultures. Additionally, the observed preferences were modified by contact with different cultures, age, and accessibility of food resources (pig possession). Our results suggest that human norms of attractiveness are malleable and can change with exposure to different environments and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Sorokowski
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, ul. Dawida 1, 50-527, Wroclaw, Poland.
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34
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Furman W, Winkles JK. Predicting romantic involvement, relationship cognitions, and relationship qualities from physical appearance, perceived norms, and relational styles regarding friends and parents. J Adolesc 2010; 33:827-36. [PMID: 20800891 PMCID: PMC2976838 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Revised: 02/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Using a sample of 199 adolescents, the present study examined Furman and Wehner's (1999) hypothesis that the predictors of the degree of romantic involvement and the predictors of romantic relationship cognitions and qualities differ. As hypothesized, physical appearance and friends' normative romantic involvement were related to the degree of casual and serious romantic involvement, whereas relational styles regarding friends and parents were unrelated in almost all cases. On the other hand, relational styles regarding friends and parents were related to supportive and negative romantic interactions and romantic styles. In contrast, physical appearance and friends' normative romantic involvement were generally unrelated to interactions and romantic styles. Physical appearance was also related to romantic appeal and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyndol Furman
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado 80209, United States.
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35
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Abstract
A leading theory of romantic love is that it functions to make one feel committed to one's beloved, as well as to signal this commitment to the beloved (Frank, 1988). Because women tend to be skeptical of men's commitment, this view entails that men may have evolved to fall in love first, in order to show their commitment to women. Using a sample of online participants of a broad range of ages, this study tested this sex difference and several related individual difference hypotheses concerning the ease of falling in love. There was mixed evidence for sex differences: only some measures indicated that men are generally more love-prone than are women. We also found that men were more prone to falling in love if they tended to overestimate women's sexual interest and highly valued physical attractiveness in potential partners. Women were more prone to falling in love if they had a stronger sex drive. These results provide modest support for the existence of sex differences in falling in love, as well as initial evidence for links between several individual difference variables and the propensity to fall in love.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Galperin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
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36
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Abstract
Relying upon a content analysis of one specific type of medium to which young people are exposed beginning at an early age, on a regular basis, and for many years (i.e., animated cartoons), the present study examines what types of messages are provided about being physically unattractive, physically attractive, and ordinary-looking. This research concerns itself with identifying the characteristics that tend to be associated with being good-looking or unattractive, and then discussing the implications of the findings. Results indicate that many variables were found to differ based on cartoon characters' physical attractiveness, including gender, age, intelligence, body weight, emotional states experienced, prosocial behaviors, antisocial behaviors, and overall goodness/badness. Whenever differences were found, the overriding tendency was for cartoons to provide positive messages about being attractive and negative messages about being unattractive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh Klein
- Kensington Research Institute, 401 Schuyler Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States.
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Siegel K, Schrimshaw EW, Lekas HM. Diminished sexual activity, interest, and feelings of attractiveness among HIV-infected women in two eras of the AIDS epidemic. Arch Sex Behav 2006; 35:437-49. [PMID: 16909321 PMCID: PMC3212029 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-006-9043-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2005] [Revised: 01/26/2006] [Accepted: 01/26/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of sexual inactivity, decreased sexual desire, and poor sexual satisfaction documented among HIV-infected individuals, women's experiences of sexuality following HIV-infection and their reasons for these sexual changes remain little examined. Further, the potential effects of the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) medications on their sexuality have not been explored among women living with HIV/AIDS. To examine these issues, focused interviews were conducted with two samples of women living with HIV/AIDS: one before the advent of HAART and a second matched sample interviewed after HAART became widely available. Women in both the pre-HAART and HAART eras frequently discussed decreased sexual activity, a loss of sexual interest, and a diminished sense of sexual attractiveness following their HIV infection. In addition, they reported a number of reasons for why they had discontinued sexual activity or were no longer interested in sex, including anxiety about HIV transmission, a loss of freedom and spontaneity during sex, fears of emotional hurt, not wanting the hassle of sexual relationships, a loss of sexual interest, and a diminished sense of sexual attractiveness. However, the types of changes in their sexuality women described, nor the reasons offered for these changes, did not differ between women in the pre-HAART and HAART eras. The findings suggest that therapeutic intervention may be needed by some HIV-infected women to overcome difficulties in resuming healthy sexual relationships following their HIV diagnosis and offer insights into the potential content of such intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolynn Siegel
- Center for the Psychosocial Study of Health and Illness, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 100 Haven Avenue, Suite 6A, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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