The Strength of the Halo Effect in Physical Attractiveness Research

Abstract

Summary Two studies to assess the strength of the “halo effect” of physical attractiveness on person perception examined the ratings of 24 male and female targets by 155 male and 155 female American college students. Both the first study and its replication indicate that the halo effect is much more limited than previously implied. However, three attributions, sexiness, femininity/masculinity, and liking showed a strong relationship to physical attractiveness, especially for female targets.