Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
5-2003
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Roger C. Bailey
Committee Members
Otto Zinser, Russell W. Brown
Abstract
Two experimental phases examined the characteristics impacting the physical attractiveness stereotype and a potential stereotype shift. From reading a description of a hypothetical target, Phase 1 of this study revealed that participants considered an overweight attractive woman significantly more likely to help a friend in need and significantly more likely to become a friend than an underweight attractive woman. These findings provide understanding of how particular stereotypes may provide social benefits. In Phase 2, knowledge of the woman's plans for liposuction, which was disclosed in a second description of the target, dramatically lowered the participants' evaluations of her physical attractiveness, willingness to help a friend in need, and likelihood as a potential friend. The women's ratings of the target's willingness to help a friend dropped significantly more than the men's ratings. These results indicate that evaluations of physically attractive women may decline if they choose to unnaturally alter their appearance.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
White, Deborah Suzanne, "Perceptions of Cosmetic Alteration in Different Sized Attractive Women." (2003). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 749. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/749
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.