Physical Attractiveness and Peer Perception Among Children

Abstract

Most previous research has investigated the impact of physical attractiveness on young adults' first impressions of peers. The present study examined the relationship between physical attractiveness and peer perception at an earlier period of peer interaction in a setting where subjects were personally acquainted. Using a picture-board sociometric technique, young children (4-6 years) indicated which classmates they liked and disliked and also nominated peers who exhibited various social behaviors. With the exception of younger females, unattractive children were relatively less popular than attractive children. Furthermore, unattractive children, particularly males were more frequently nominated as exhibiting antisocial behaviors than were attractive children. In contrast, attractive children tended to be perceived as more self-sufficient and independent in behavior than unattractive children.