Individuals’ implicit and explicit attitudes towards physical attractiveness

Abstract

As social beings we are inclined to interact with different people, despite our views on whether they appear to be attractive or unattractive. The physical attractiveness stereotype states that attractive individuals have more socially desirable personalities, as well as lead more fulfilling lives, than unattractive individuals (Dion et al., 1972). This stereotype can influence our decisions, thoughts, and attitudes towards certain groups or individuals. The purpose of this study is to explore individuals’ implicit and explicit attitudes towards physical attractiveness. The study was carried out through quantitative research methods by means of a self – administered questionnaire and an Implicit Association Test (IAT). A total of 50 participants, all over eighteen years of age, took part in the study (females, n = 32 ; males, n = 18). The data gathered from participants was analysed using SPSS, and the results had shown that individuals possess an implicit bias towards attractive people, which confirmed the main hypothesis under investigation. Various possible reasons could have influenced the results of the study. One such reason includes ingroup bias, if participants associated themselves as forming part of the groups considered to be attractive. A second reason includes familiarity and similarity of physical attractiveness, if participants were previously exposed to the groups through social media or other means. A third reason includes social desirability, in which individuals want to appear positively. The last reason which could have been an influence includes direct experience and their surroundings.