Physical AppearanceYour ‘Look’

Chapter Three

• If we see someone who looks like us or is appealing to us, we have a greater likelihood of approaching that person, communicating with him or her, and beginning a relationship.

Attractiveness

• A perception based on the physical attributes and features of the people we are considering.

Types of Attractiveness

• Physical Attractiveness – refers to the degree to which we perceive another person as attractive because of her or his physical attractiveness.

• Social Attractiveness – the degree to which we perceive another person as someone with whom we would like to play, fraternize, associate, or socialize.

Types of Attractiveness

• Task Attractiveness – the degree to which we perceive another person as someone with whom we would like to work, conduct business, or have as a coworker or teammate.

What is Attractive Today may be Out Tomorrow

• Dependent on cultural and historical influences as well as current trends.

Image Fixation

• A long-term view a person has about her or his image or body.

• Appearance Obsession – excessive attention to our own appearance.

Image Fixators

• They engage in– chronic dieting, – yo-yo dieting, – excessive exercise, – excessive shopping, – excessive appearance checking, – constant self improvement,– other aspects

Personal Body Concept

• The perception you have of how attractive your body is, and what you perceive to be the particular attributes of your body.

Body Shape and Size

• Endomorph – rounded, oval-shaped bodies

• Mesomorph – triangular body shape that is broad at the shoulders and tapers to the hips.

• Ectomorph – bony, thin and tall. They have a fragile-looking physique, flat chest, and underdeveloped muscular tone.

The Face

• The eyes are the most dominant feature

• Second most dominant—the mouth

• Shape of the face– Oval – longer than wide– Round – equal width & length– Square – Heavy in jaw– Triangular – weak in jaw

• Plus: nose, teeth, skin, hair, muscles

Height, Weight, and Skin Color

• Taller is preferred

• Height is often associated with power and dominance

• Slim and trim is more highly valued

• Skin color will effect how we view people

Hair

• Hairstyles have much to do with our perceptions of attractiveness and social competence

• Hair Color– Red heads are hot tempered– Blondes have more fun– Men marry Brunettes

Hair

• Hair Length – long versus short hair

• Facial Hair – more facial hair, more mature, masculine, good looking, dominant, courageous, etc.

• Hair Manipulation – Preening behavior– Usually used with the opposite sex

Appearance and Dress

• How we dress communicates a great deal of information about us.– Fabrics– Colors– Textures– Styles

Why do People Dress the Way They Do

• Comfort and Protection

• Concealment

• Cultural Display

Clothing Characteristics and Personality

• Economic level• Educational level• Trustworthiness• Social position• Level of sophistication

• Economic background

• Social background• Educational

background• Level of success• Moral character

Popularity, Liking, and Homophily

• Do you dress to enhance your popularity or to make people like you?

• Homophily – is perceived similarity in appearance, background, attitudes, and values.

Rank and Status

• Dressing formally rather than casually increases perceptions of status.

• Power and success closely related

Group Identification

• Military

• Police

• Student

• Millennial

• Other?

Artifacts and Accessories

• Look at your clothing and body. Are there any accoutrements.

• How will people interpret piercings and tattoos?

• Unusual hair?

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