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The perception of attractiveness: what about the beholders?
M D Gynther1, A T Davis, L G Shake
1Auburn University.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Men scoring high on the Macho Scale perceived women as less attractive. This perception of female attractiveness varied significantly between high and low Macho male raters, particularly for moderately attractive women.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Perception Studies
Background:
- Understanding factors influencing perception of female attractiveness is crucial in social psychology.
- Previous research suggests personality traits can impact interpersonal judgments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between male personality dimensions, specifically Macho Scale scores, and their perception of female attractiveness and femininity.
- To explore how heterosexual anxiety and sex-role orientation correlate with these perceptions.
Main Methods:
- 249 undergraduate males rated 22 photographs of young women on attractiveness and femininity.
- 79 participants completed the Macho Scale, Survey of Heterosexual Interactions, and Bem Sex Role Inventory.
Main Results:
- Higher Macho Scale scores correlated with lower ratings of female attractiveness.
- Masculinity/femininity and heterosexual anxiety showed weaker associations with attractiveness ratings.
- Moderately attractive women elicited the most divergent descriptions between high and low Macho raters.
Conclusions:
- Male personality, particularly Macho traits, significantly influences the perception of female attractiveness.
- The Macho Scale appears to be a key predictor in understanding biases in attractiveness judgments.
- Future research should explore these dynamics in diverse populations and contexts.