Judging Physical Attractiveness

Abstract

The present study attempted to determine what body parts and functions young adults use in judging physical attractiveness and how these body items are related to different dimensions of body esteem. College students completed the Body Esteem Scale and then rated the importance of body items in determining same-sex and opposite-sex attractiveness. Results indicated a good deal of congruence in men's and women's judgments of physical attractiveness. Aspects of male body esteem dealing with upper body strength and aspects of female body esteem dealing with weight concern figured prominently in these judgments. Findings further indicated that men generally have more positive attitudes toward their bodies than do women.