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Dr. Jana Hackathorn
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
This study examined first impressions, perceptions, and social attributions individuals make based on another’s attire. The difference in viewers’ perceptions in regard to two photos of women (i.e., one that was casually dressed or one that was dressed scantily) was measured. The study examined the differences in judgments of the woman’s personality, and included assessments of six different traits: interpersonal skills, intellect, physical attractiveness, social status, interpersonal power, and family orientation. Results indicated that individuals perceive the casually dressed female to have better interpersonal skills as well as higher intelligence and better social status than the provocatively dressed female. Moreover, the casually dressed female was perceived as more family oriented than the provocatively dressed woman. Importantly there was no difference in perceived physical attractiveness. As this could have evolutionary consequences, these findings might suggest that provocative attire may not be necessary for mate attraction. Implications will be discussed.
Location
Large Ballroom, Curris Center
Start Date
April 2016
End Date
April 2016
Dressed to Impress (or Is She?): Judgments of Attraction Based on Attire
Large Ballroom, Curris Center
This study examined first impressions, perceptions, and social attributions individuals make based on another’s attire. The difference in viewers’ perceptions in regard to two photos of women (i.e., one that was casually dressed or one that was dressed scantily) was measured. The study examined the differences in judgments of the woman’s personality, and included assessments of six different traits: interpersonal skills, intellect, physical attractiveness, social status, interpersonal power, and family orientation. Results indicated that individuals perceive the casually dressed female to have better interpersonal skills as well as higher intelligence and better social status than the provocatively dressed female. Moreover, the casually dressed female was perceived as more family oriented than the provocatively dressed woman. Importantly there was no difference in perceived physical attractiveness. As this could have evolutionary consequences, these findings might suggest that provocative attire may not be necessary for mate attraction. Implications will be discussed.