ePrints

The influence of facial piercings and observer personality on perceptions of physical attractiveness and intelligence

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Martin Tovee

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

The primary aim of the present study was to examine the influence of facial piercings on observer ratings of physical attractiveness and intelligence. A total of 440 women and men rated a set of stimuli that depicted a female and a male model, respectively, with varying numbers of facial piercings. Participants also completed measures of the Big Five personality factors and sensation seeking, and provided information of their own piercings. Results indicated that, controlling for participants’ own piercings, stimuli with piercings were rated as less physically attractive and intelligent than those without piercings, with multiple piercings being accorded the most negative ratings. In addition, men with piercings were rated more negatively than women with piercings. Further results showed that participants’ openness to experience and sensation seeking were associated with more positive ratings of pierced individuals, and that greater number of participant piercings was correlated with the Big Five personality factors of Emotional Stability, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness, and sensation seeking. These results are discussed in relation to the extant literature on body modifications.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Swami V, Stieger S, Pietschnig J, Voracek M, Furnham A, Tovée MJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: European Psychologist

Year: 2012

Volume: 17

Issue: 3

Pages: 213-221

ISSN (print): 1016-9040

ISSN (electronic): 1878-531X

Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Corp.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1027/1016-9040/a000080

DOI: 10.1027/1016-9040/a000080

Altmetrics

Share