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Racial Characteristics and Female Facial Attractiveness Perception Among United States University Students

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Abstract

Research in the area of facial attractiveness has examined the role of race in the perception of beauty, revealing that regardless of our own skin color, we tend to prefer light skin to dark skin in most matters of choice. Subsequently, the current research, utilizing morphed faces combined in varying degrees Black, White, and Asian facial characteristics, was expected to corroborate with past research by showing that participants found the “pure” White face the most attractive and the “pure” Black face the least attractive. Instead, participants found least attractive the “pure” Asian face. The results are discussed in terms of prior research with a focus on the concept of familiarity. Also discussed are possible limitations and opportunities for future research to further examine and clarify the difference between the present data and the existing literature.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    An example of “normal” fluctuating asymmetry is having one foot that is slightly larger than the other. High fluctuating asymmetry, which is less common, might manifest itself in feet that are grossly different in size, so much so that one cannot wear the same size shoe on both feet.

  2. 2.

    The CCC was used in the current research with the express permission of its creator.

  3. 3.

    Hair is unique among these features in that its texture (i.e., straight or curly) has been shown to have little to no impact on perceived facial attractiveness (Hinsz et al.2001, Mescko & Bereczkei2004). This feature was included to address a possible criticism of the research.

  4. 4.

    The term “SuperSenior” is a term used in particular to this institution. It refers to students who choose to spend a fifth year at the university in order to earn a dual AB-BS degree in engineering. None participated in the study.

  5. 5.

    This number includes French, U.S., and Chilean territories.

  6. 6.

    At the time of this research, approximately 0.5–1% of United States adolescents present with diagnosable anorexia nervosa, and 2–3% of adolescents with bulimia nervosa (Eating Disorders Coalition 2006). Many more adolescents and adults suffer from other clinical and sub-clinical disordered eating behaviors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Bucknell University, Walnut port, PA, USA

    Nicole E. Belletti

Authors
  1. Nicole E. Belletti
  2. T. Joel Wade

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Correspondence toNicole E. Belletti.

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, Michigan State University, 254 Baker Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

    Ronald E. Hall

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Belletti, N.E., Wade, T.J. (2008). Racial Characteristics and Female Facial Attractiveness Perception Among United States University Students. In: Hall, R.E. (eds) Racism in the 21st Century. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79098-5_6

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