Physical Attractiveness Contrast Effect: Implications for Self-Esteem and Evaluations of the Social Self

Author: Thornton, B.; Moore, S.

Description: Three studies examined the impact of a physical attractiveness contrast effect on self-evaluations. Self-ratings of attractiveness by men and women exposed to highly attractive same-sex stimulus persons (negative contrast) were lower than those of persons not so exposed; attractiveness self-ratings were enhanced by exposure to unattractive stimulus persons (positive contrast). Global self-esteem was not influenced by a negative contrast effect; however, an adverse affect was observed on a more specific assessment of social self-esteem based on interpersonal competence. Corresponding increases in public self-consciousness occurred. A positive contrast effect was associated with marginally increased social self-esteem but not with heightened public self-consciousness. The potential role of public self-consciousness in mediating the attractiveness contrast effect is considered

Subject headings: Physical attractiveness; Self-evaluation; Males; Females; Self-consciousness

Publication year: 1993

Journal or book title: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

Volume: 19

Issue: 4

Pages: 474-480

Find the full text : https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0146167293194012

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Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 856