Factors Affecting Physical Attraction
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 9.1.5
Physical Attraction and Cultural Differences
Research shows that notions of physical attractiveness vary little across cultures.
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)
- 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) 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 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.
- 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.
Test yourself on Factors Affecting Physical Attraction
Which two nationalities of students did Wheeler and Kim (1997) study?
Which of the following characteristics did Wheeler and Kim (1997) NOT find physically attractive people to be thought of as?
Who's study challenged the view that physical attractiveness is a significant consideration in relationship formation for all potential partners?
What does the MACHO scale measure?
Which task were the male and female participants NOT asked to complete?