Social cognition and evolutionary psychology: Physical attractiveness and contrast effects on women's self-perceived body image

Author(s): Abetz, H.

Journal/Book: Int J Psychol. 1997; 32: 27 Church Rd, Hove, East Sussex, England BN3 2FA. Psychology Press. 35-42.

Abstract: Self-evaluations of body image were examined in a 2 (attractiveness of stimulus person) x 2 (sex of stimulus person) design to determine if contrast effects consistent with evolutionary psychology occur for women's self-perceptions of their body image. Main effects for attractiveness were hypothesized. Higher self-ratings for figure-related aspects of body image were predicted for women exposed to an unattractive male or female. These effects were significant. Women exposed to an unattractive male or female had more positive feelings about figure-related aspects of their body image than women exposed to an attractive male or female. Contrast effects in accordance with evolutionary theory occur for aspects of body image that play a role in inferences regarding reproductive fitness.

Note: Article Wade TJ, Bucknell Univ, Dept Psychol, Lewisburg,PA 17837 USA

Keyword(s): TO-HIP RATIO; SEX-DIFFERENCES; ESTEEM SCALE; MATE SELECTION; FEMALE; GENDER; BEAUTY; PREFERENCES; STRATEGIES; DOMINANCE

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