Physical Attractiveness and Sexual Harassment: Does Every Picture Tell a Story or Every Story Draw a Picture?¹

Abstract

The role of physical attractiveness in perceptions of sexual harassment (SH) was investigated in two studies. In the first study, 164 undergraduates were given a complainant's description of either a verbal or physical incident of SH. Photographs varying physical attractiveness of the alleged harasser and victim were provided. Results showed gender differences in perceptions of incident characteristics and an attractiveness bias for both harasser and victim. There was evidence that characteristics of the setting affected ratings of physical attractiveness. A second study with 211 undergraduates, utilized a formal grievance paradigm with attractiveness varied through verbal labels in the complaint. Results showed gender differences in perceptions, as well as a tendency for subjects to identify more with same gender stimulus persons.