A preliminary study of physical attractiveness stereotyping in Turkish university students

Abstract

In this study, a 2x3x2 independent samples design was used to investigate attractiveness stereotyping. Twelve different young female images were created by audiovisual combinations of two facial attractiveness levels (more attractive or less attractive), three different body features (average, underweight, or overweight), and two different vocal attractiveness levels (more attractive or less attractive). Full size photographs of two female models were manipulated by a computer program (Adobe Photoshop) to depict different body sizes and these applications were presented simultaneously with a recorded speech. Each of these combinations were presented to a separate group of respondents (56 females and 54 males; mean age 20.2, sd=1.82; undergraduates enrolled in various departments at BoQazi~i University) who were requested to judge the stimulus person on attractiveness and various personality traits. Multivariate analyses revealed a highly significant two-way interaction between body feature and sex of rater, and a highly significant main effect of vocal attractiveness. Whereas males did not show differences in their perceptions of different body features, females placed more negative ratings for overweight body feature on various attractiveness and personality judgments compared to underweight body feature and males. On the overall, the more attractive voice received more positive judgments compared to the less attractive voice. The outcomes were discussed in light of possible perceptual and sociocultural processes.