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Physical attractiveness phenomena permeate society with somber ramifica tions. Correspondingly, practical applications of physical attractiveness phenomena are extensive. The consequence is that almost every person can benefit from knowledge about research on physical attractiveness. Such research material provides valuable information for persons established in their careers, as well as those preparing for a career. Similarly, parents at all stages of their life cycle should be cognizant of how physical attractiveness impacts the psychological and physiological development of children. Because no one is isolated from physical attractiveness phenomena, knowledge of this material should be imperative for everyone. This book consolidates research that specifically addresses physical attractiveness. The first summary was a classic review presented over 10 years ago (Berscheid & Walster, 1974). Since then the research literature has continued to grow, but no comprehensive review has again been published. Even though research summaries have been presented in a compilation of psychological abstracts (Cash, 1980), and in a discussion of stereotyping literature (Adams, 1982), the study of physical attractiveness phenomena is due for a comprehensive account and an analysis of the extensive, divergent research.
List of contents
1 - Introduction.- Framework.- Fundamentals.- Summary.- 2 - Measurement of Physical Attractiveness.- Development.- Measurement Process.- Measure Qualification.- Measure Reliability.- Self-Measures versus Other Measures.- Measure Validity.- Moderate Physical Attractiveness.- Research Procedure: Experimental Design.- Measurement Limitations.- 3 - Interpersonal Realities.- Expectations and Assumptions.- Psychopathology.- Educational Milieu.- Social Deviance.- Crime and Courts.- Helping Behavior.- Conclusion.- 4 - Interpersonal Reciprocations.- Romantic Attraction.- Nonintimate Liking.- Employment.- Conclusion.- 5 - Intrapersonal Realities.- Reality.- Interpersonal Outcomes.- Personality.- Physiological Effects.- Prospective Horizon.- 6 - Determinants of Physical Attractiveness.- Hierarchical Rankings.- Sex Differences.- The Face.- Physique.- Height.- Perceptual Distortions.- Association.- Context.- Conclusion.- 7 - Persuasive Communication: Original Research.- The Need.- Persuasive Communication.- Physical Attractiveness.- Physical Attractiveness and Persuasive Communication.- Research Problem and Hypotheses.- Research Methodology.- Analyses and Results.- Conclusions.- Practitioner Implications.- Future Research.- Theoretical Proposition.- 8 - Cultures and Societies.- Cross-Cultural Corroboration.- Response by Society.- Applications.- Expanding Plight.- 9 - Science and Theory.- Philosophy and History.- Current Knowledge.- Theory.- Future Research Quests.- References.
