PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

I. Introduction

 Definition of attraction: to cause to draw near or adhere; to create interest

 Physical attractiveness is viewed as a reward: it is rewarding to be with
 attractive people (halo effect)

 Most people agree on what is attractive: large cross cultural similarities

 Physical/Social/Task Attraction

 Multiple Motives

provide nurturance

sexual maturity

expressive

 Communication

apprehension

affinity seeking

gender

II. Appearance affects 

grades, credibility, persuasiveness, number of rides  a hitchhiker gets, likelihood of being judged guilty in a criminal trial and length of sentence, helping (attractive women most likely group to be helped), amount of interaction with teachers, mate selection (bigger factor for males), liking.

 Rape trial:

 Defendent                     Victim

 Dating -- minimax principle:  maximize attraction while minimizing chances of rejection.

 Unattractive male with attractive female perceived to be more successful, powerful, and intelligent.  Attractive males with unattractive females do not influence perceptions of female.

 Matching hypothesis

Happiness – couples, individuals

Self-esteem

Not associated with perceptions of intelligence (except for exceptionally attractive women)

IV.  Specific Cues

Eye glasses

Lipstick

Body type stereotypes:

Ectomorphs (thin)

Endomorphs (heavy)

Mesomorphs (V-shaped, athletic)

Height

Weight

V.  Implications

Dissatisfaction with appearance