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Romantic interest in obese college students
Mara S Aruguete1, Jeanne L Edman, Alayne Yates
1Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0029, USA. aruguetem@lincolnu.edu
Obesity is linked to negative self-perceptions and altered romantic preferences. Obese individuals, particularly women, are less selective about partners
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Societal pressures often link thinness with attractiveness.
- Obesity can impact psychological well-being and social interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between obesity, self-perception, and romantic selectivity.
- To explore how weight status influences attraction patterns in college students.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 1217 college students on demographics, self-perception, and romantic selectivity.
- Analyzed data to compare obese and non-obese individuals' preferences.
Main Results:
- Obese individuals, especially women, reported more negative self-perceptions.
- Obese participants and women were less selective regarding partner physical traits.
- Obese women preferred overweight partners; obese men preferred normal-weight partners.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is associated with distinct changes in romantic attraction.
- Self-perception and weight status significantly influence partner selection criteria.
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