23rd Annual Student Research Conference
How did he get with her?: The effects of radiating beauty in romantic relationships
Nicholas C. Jacobson*, Brittany J. Jacobson, and Shannon M. Clark
Dr. Michele Breault and Dr. Dean DeCock, Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that an individual paired with attractive mates are perceived to be warmer, more intelligent and more physically attractive. Furthermore, we hypothesized that those paired with less attractive mates will be seen less physically attractive, but not lower in warmth or intelligence.
Participants (N = 116 undergraduates) were shown photos of couples and individuals. Imaging software removed the backgrounds from the photographs and added backgrounds from Truman State University's campus. Pictures of unattractive, average, and attractive stimuli were paired with unattractive, average, and attractive partners of the opposite sex; each stimulus was also shown alone. Participants evaluated the warmth, intelligence and attractiveness of targets. As hypothesized a main effect of partner attractiveness, stimulus attractiveness, as well as significant interactions. Thus, this study confirms and extends the effects of radiating beauty.
Keywords: Radiating Beauty, Attraction, Attractiveness, Halo Effect, Beauty, Warmth, Intelligence
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 45-5
Location: MG 1000
Time: 2:15