Effects of Physical Attractiveness on Perception of Social Skill
To evaluate whether physically attractive individuals are seen as more socially skilled than unattractive ones, nine color photographs of a female in attractive, neutral, and unattractive presentations were developed and evaluated by independent raters. Three photographs received 100% agreement and were selected for the three conditions. 45 males were randomly assigned to the three groups and completed the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule based on their evaluation of the photograph. Groups shown the attractive photograph differed from the other two groups but the latter two did not. A moderate, positive, and significant correlation of .43 between attractiveness and perceived assertiveness was observed. The relationship between physical attractiveness and social skill development is discussed as are clinical issues.