Citation

Perrin FAC. J. Exp. Psychol. 1921; 4(3): 203-217.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1921, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/h0071949

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A statistical study of the reports of college students regarding those traits in individuals which make for attractiveness and repulsiveness reveals the fact that physical characteristics, especially sexual, play a decisive rôle. Static traits, such as beauty or ugliness of features, hold a position subordinate to groups of physical elements like expressive behavior, affectionate disposition, grace of manner, aristocratic bearing, social accomplishments, personal habits, etc. That is to say, physical attractiveness is to be explained primarily in terms of behavior. The traditional antithesis between beauty and brains seems to be without support. Similarly, those individuals with religious, social, and aesthetic ideals are usually endowed with attractive physical traits: the possession of the latter facilitates the acquisition of the former. From Psych Bulletin 19:01:00040. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)