10.1.8

Factors Affecting Physical Attraction

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Physical Attraction and Cultural Differences

Research shows that notions of physical attractiveness vary little across cultures.

__Cunningham et al. (1995)__

Cunningham et al. (1995)

  • Cunningham et al. (1995) found that female features of large eyes, prominent cheekbones, small nose and high eyebrows were rated as highly attractive by white, Hispanic and Asian males.
__Wheeler and Kim (1997)__

Wheeler and Kim (1997)

  • The physical attractiveness stereotype is also similar across cultures.
  • Wheeler and Kim (1997) found that Korean and American students judged physically attractive people to be more trustworthy, concerned with other people, mature and friendly.
  • This suggests that the stereotype is just as strong in collectivist cultures as it is in individualistic ones.

Factors Moderating Physical Attractiveness

The importance of physical attractiveness can be moderated by other factors.

__Towhey (1979)__

Towhey (1979)

  • Towhey (1979) asked male and female participants to rate how much they liked a target individual based on their photograph and some biographical information.
  • The participants also completed a questionnaire (the MACHO scale) designed to measure sexist attitudes and behaviours.
__Towhey (1979)__  findings

Towhey (1979) findings

  • Towhey found that participants who scored highly on the MACHO scale were more influenced by the physical attractiveness of the target individual when making a judgement of how much they liked them.
  • Participants who scored lower on the MACHO scale were less sensitive to this influence.
Findings cont.

Findings cont.

  • This shows that the effects of physical attractiveness can be moderated by other factors.
  • This challenges the view that physical attractiveness is a significant consideration in relationship formation for all potential partners.
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Social Influence

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Memory

3

Attachment

4

(2026 Exams) Psychopathology

5

(2027 Exams) Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

6

Approaches in Psychology

7

Biopsychology

8

Research Methods

8.1

Research Methods

8.2

Scientific Processes

8.3

Data Handling & Analysis

8.4

Inferential Testing

9

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

10

Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10.1

Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

10.2

Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

10.3

(2026 Exams) Relationships: Virtual (A2 only)

10.4

(2027 Exams) Relationships: Online (A2 only)

11

Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

12

Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

13

Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

14

Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

15

Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

16

Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

17

Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

18

Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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