Does marriage influence whether a facially disfigured person is considered physically unattractive?

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Perception Psychology

Background:

• The "what is beautiful is good" stereotype suggests attractive individuals are perceived positively.
• Research indicates attractiveness can be inferred from a partner's appearance.
• Limited research exists on perceptions of facial disfigurement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if marriage to a normally faced individual influences the perception of facial disfigurement.
• To extend the "halo effect" to individuals with facial deformities.

Main Methods:

• Participants' perceptions of individuals with facial disfigurements were assessed.
• The influence of the hypothetical spouse's facial attractiveness was manipulated.
• Perception of the disfigured individual was measured.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests that being perceived as married to a normally attractive person positively influences the perception of an individual with a disfigured face.
• The "what is beautiful is good" effect appears to mitigate negative perceptions associated with facial disfigurement.

Conclusions:

• Facial attractiveness of a spouse can impact social perception of an individual with a facial disfigurement.
• Social perception is influenced by associative effects, extending beyond direct observation.