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INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
The Influence of Facial Cosmetics and Nose Piercings
On Interpersonal Attraction in Young Adults.
A THESIS
Submitted to the Amity Institute of Allied and Behavioral Sciences
AMITY UNIVERSITY MUMBAI
MA CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
2019
VAIBHAVI H BAFNA
AMITY INSTITUTE OF ALLIED & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES
AMITY UNIVERSITY
MUMBAI
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
i
AMITY UNIVERSITY MUMBAI
Amity Institute of Behavioural and Allied Sciences
(AIBAS)
Department of Psychology
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the work assimilated in this Dissertation submitted by Ms. Vaibhavi
Bafna of Master of Arts- Clinical Psychology (IV semester), Amity University Mumbai
during the academic year 2018-19 is the original work carried out by the student to the best of
my knowledge under my supervision and this work is not used for award of any other course/
degree/ diploma from any other Indian or foreign university.
Date: 1-05-2019
Place: Mumbai
Mr. Vernon D’Mello
Supervisor,
Assistant Professor,
Amity Institute of Behavioral
and Allied Sciences,
Amity University, Mumbai.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
ii
DECLARATION
I declare that the M.A. Clinical Psychology research entitled “The Influence of Facial
Cosmetics and Nose Piercings on Interpersonal Attraction in Young Adults” is my own
original and bonafide work. This thesis is being submitted in candidacy for the award of an
M.A. Degree in Clinical Psychology under the guidance of Mr. Vernon D’Mello, Assistant
Professor, Amity Institute of Allied & Behavioral Sciences, Amity University Mumbai in the
month of May 2019. This Dissertation or parts thereof have not been submitted to any other
University for any purpose so far.
Date: May, 2019 Vaibhavi Bafna
Amity Institute of Allied
& Behavioural Sciences
Amity University Mumbai
India
Certified and forwarded by
Name and signature of the Supervisor
Designation
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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Acknowledgments
I would like to thank all the participants who took part in this research study. I am grateful to
my research guide Mr. Vernon D’Mello for his guidance and support throughout the whole
process of working on my dissertation. I would also like to thank my teachers and my
classmates for supporting me and encouraging me to undertake this research. Lastly, I would
like to thank my parents for sending me to Amity University and letting me explore my
options. I thank them for encouraging me to do my best and to never give up.
Vaibhavi Bafna
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents Page No.
CERTIFICATE……………………………………………………………………..i
DECLARATION........................................................................................................ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..........................................................................................iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………...iv
LIST OF TABLES………………………………………………………………......vi
ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………vii
CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION............................................................................2
Overview……….......................................................................................................2
Concepts used in study……......................................................................................3
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
Theories of Interpersonal Attraction…………………………………....................10
Friendship……………………………………………………………..10
Sexual and Romantic Relationships………………………………..11
Impression management…………………………………………….12
PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY……………………………..13
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM………………………………………………13
AIM………………………………………………………………………………..14
OBJECTIVES……………………………………………………………………14
CHAPTER 2—LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................15
Facial cosmetics and individual differences………………………………………15
Use of cosmetics and facial attraction….…………………………………………17
Piercings and attractiveness….……………………………………………………19
Piercings and attitudes towards piercings…………………………………….…...22
CHAPTER 3—METHODOLOGY..........................................................................24
Variables…………………………………………………………...........................24
Conceptual Definitions……………………………………………………………..24
Operational Definitions……………………………………………………...…….24
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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Hypotheses…………………………………………………………………………..25
Method……………………………………………………………………..……….25
Sampling Method……………………………………………………………………25
Procedure…………………………………………………………………………..26
Tools Used…………………………….…………………………………………..26
Experimental Design………………………………………………………………27
Statistical Analysis…………………………………………………………………27
CHAPTER 4—RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.....................................................28
Descriptive statistics of the variables......................................................................28
Friedman’s Test of Analysis…….…………………………………………………34
Discussion…………………………………………………………………………37
Hypotheses Testing………………………………………………………………..37
CHAPTER 5—SUMMARY....................................................................................39
Limitations……………………………....................................................................39
Practical Implications...............................................................................................40
Suggestions…………………………………………………………………………41
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................42
APPENDIXES…………………………………………………………………….54
A. Consent Form.....................................................................................................54
B. Interpersonal attraction questionnaire by J.
McCroskey……………………………….………………………………………55
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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LIST OF TABLES PAGE
Table 1. Mean and S.D. Value of Gender………………………………………….. 28
Table 2. Mean and S.D. Value of Age…………………………………………….. 28
Table 3. Mean and S.D. Value of Occupation……………………………………. 28
Table 4. Most and Least Attractive Scores of Model (1-5)………………………… 28
Table 5. Attractive Features Scores of Model (1-5)……………………………… 32
Table 6. Gender Distribution of Most Attractive Feature on Task Attraction….. 34
Table 7. Friedman Test of Analysis of Task Attraction……………………….. 34
Table 8. Gender Distribution of Most Attractive Feature on Social Attraction… 35
Table 9. Friedman Test of Analysis of Social Attraction………………………. 35
Table 10. Gender Distribution of Most Attractive Feature on Physical Attraction… 35
Table 11. Friedman Test of Analysis of Physical Attraction……………………….. 35
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to study the influence of the use of cosmetics and nose piercing
on interpersonal attraction in young adults. A sample of 70 young adults was selected for this
study (age group 18-25). An interpersonal attraction questionnaire (James McCroskey, 1974)
was administered along with five photos of five different females were shown under the
following conditions wherein nose piercing was the constant variable (with makeup, without
makeup, lipstick and foundation, foundation and eye-makeup, lipstick and eye-makeup). To
test the significance of the results, a Friedman’s test of analysis was used. The Friedman test
is used to test for differences between groups when the dependent variable has an ordinal
measurement. There was a significant difference found in individuals who use cosmetics and
nose piercings and who have only nose piercings using the Friedman test of analysis on SPSS
(version 21) and the findings were discussed with respect to existing research and theoretical
explanations. The present study contributes to the data that the use of cosmetics and nose
piercing is related to interpersonal attraction. It also shows that there is a high relation
between the use of cosmetics and interpersonal attraction in young adults and adolescents.
The study also had twice the number of female respondents than male respondents. Female
respondents were 44 and Male were 26. In this case, the study may not actually be able to
predict how males perceive others to be as attractive or non-attractive. The present study’s
findings have a further practical application that this similar study could be conducted with
different areas and types of nose piercing and with an equal number of male and female
respondents. Thus, the hypotheses of the study were validated.
Keywords: use of cosmetics, nose piercing, interpersonal attraction
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 OVERVIEW
The interest in enhancing physical appearance is growing across all ages of women,
especially in young adults because at this age, they will establish a sense of individual
identity and feelings of self- worth which include alteration of their body image. They have a
need to be accepted by the opposite sex or try to fit in and be in the trend. The use of
cosmetics influences the behaviors of others too. The effect of individual differences in facial
appearance is ultimately more important in perceptions of attractiveness. The use of
cosmetics on attractiveness is more complex than what a layman thinks. Wearing cosmetics
as grooming was prevalent in Western societies but it has increased more in recent years in
the Asian-Pacific regions, adapting to the norms of the West. It has almost become like a
daily routine in developing countries. The largest age groups of people using cosmetics are
18 years to 25 years of age, which being female-focused. Males have started appreciating the
use of cosmetics too. Women are always told to worry about their appearances from a certain
age. This age range of females is more conscious about their appearance, social status and,
the variety and the quality of cosmetics they use, in order to present perfect facial features
(Saul, 2003). Adolescents and young adults increasingly have acquired body piercings over
recent years. Piercing different body sites has been practiced globally by various cultures for
centuries. Body piercing now may be considered a mainstream activity among adolescents
and young adults in Western society (Seiter & Sandry, 2003). This type of behavior can also
be a part of impression formation on others.
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1.2 CONCEPTS
(a) Variables
1.2.1 Cosmetics
Definition
Cosmetics means a substance put on the body to enhance the beauty of humans
(Oxford Dictionary 2000) and it includes skincare products and makeup products.
According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2009), food, drugs and, the
Cosmetics Act defines cosmetics as the products (except soap) are intended applying to the
external part of the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or
altering the appearance.
History
Face-painting and decorations have been linked to symbolic meaning for many
centuries. From the dark kohl used on Egyptian eyes (Corson, 1972), to the Mehendi hennas
used by Indian women (Sumita, 1999), or even the white face powders and red lipsticks used
globally today, make-up has been used as a symbolic medium since its early beginnings.
Consequently, it seems appropriate to try to understand and explore the meaning of these
different masks worn by women in society using semiotics, - a philosophy designed explicitly
to analyze signs and symbols.
The first known people who used cosmetics to enhance their beauty were the
Egyptians, around 4000BC. Kohl was believed to improve eyesight and ward off dark spirits.
Ancient Greeks and Romans also used cosmetics. While women in Japan wore lipstick made
from crushed safflower (a plant which contains brilliant yellow or red used for coloring and
flavoring foods and making red and yellow dyes, extensively cultivated in India, China and
other parts of Asia) or ancient Thai women used Paeng Rum (powder made from soil and
herbs, which contains no chemical essence). Makeup in olden days was just about eye
coloring or some material for the body. Makeup has not even always been used to increase
attractiveness, sometimes women use it to just be in the trend and sometimes to fit in.
Make-up has been used as a sign/symbol for thousands of years because of the
symbolism attributed to color. As primitive people feared the dark and derived safety from
the light of day, red and yellow (symbols of the sun) had a special emotional significance for
many people. Red paint or dye was often used to represent blood; black paint signified night
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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or more sinister implications; and white colors were used to represent the underworld, death
or some spiritual dimension (Gunn, 1973). In these early days make-up had a threefold
purpose: firstly, to camouflage and to provide safety from the environment; secondly, to
stimulate fear in an aggressive confrontation; and thirdly for spiritual and social reasons
(Angeloglou, 1970; Gunn, 1973). Gunn (1973) purports that it was when man became aware
of the impact that color had on emotions that the use of face and body painting methods
diversified significantly.
By the eighteenth century, an image of painted porcelain with powerful curls and
lavish fabrics took hold until the French revolution. Make-up was considered an essential
item for the lady of fashion, although contrasts between the French and English existed at this
time. The French court whitened their faces, darkened their eyebrows, and used rouge
extensively, while prostitutes strived for a natural look. Alternatively, in London, the
prostitutes rouged blatantly and women of aristocracy and higher class attempted to imitate
nature with a more natural look, though often they resorted to cosmetics as their youth faded
(Reynolds, 2003).
In modern times, the use of cosmetics plays an important role in both men and
women. Cosmetics are a multi-million dollar industry today. The Indian cosmetic business
has witnessed swift expansion over the previous couple of decades attributed to two main
factors: Increase for the demand and improved the purchasing power of the common Indian.
Over 80% of women over the age of 18 years wear cosmetics (Etcoff, 1999) and the
value of the global cosmetics industry exceeds $130 billion (Rossi, Prlic, & Hoffman, 2007).
Types
There are different types of cosmetics. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, creams,
powders, fragrances, lipsticks, eye and facial makeup, colored eye contacts, hair colors, bath
oils, bubble baths, bath salts. A subset of cosmetics is known as “make-up,” which refers
mainly to coloring items made to customize the user’s appearance. Many producers separate
decorative cosmetics and care cosmetics. Face make-up includes- primer, foundation,
concealer, blush, highlighter, etc. Eye makeup includes- eye primer, eye shadow, mascara,
eyeliner. Lip makeup includes lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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Functions
In ancient Egypt – both the men and women – wore makeup to denote social standing.
Their makeup was mostly markings of different colors in the face and body. The markings
probably didn’t have any particular value on their own, except that only certain people of
certain ranks wore a certain type of markings; that signified power. Like back in the olden
days, makeup was worn so as to communicate power, in whatever forms possible (Audrey
Cabahug, 2018).
The function of using cosmetics is understandable for preparing to play the part of
beauty in modern societies. Makeup positively affects the way a woman is perceived by
others in the workplace.
Wearing makeup also increases people’s perception of a woman’s likeability, her
competence and – provided she does not overdo it – even her trustworthiness.
The reason for using make-up by women is diverse and covers the enigma of young
women wearing it to look older and older women wearing it to look younger (Fabricant &
Gould, 1993).
Cosmetics serve as a sign of femininity in their symbolization of stereotypical
feminine values. Cosmetics are often seen as a way to enhance female beauty and help
women to conform to society’s beauty expectations.
Application
Facial make-up has been used extensively to enhance the wearer’s value and beauty
within society. The face itself is considered an important component in measuring
attractiveness and provides a window from which people derive all sorts of information about
a person and their role and status within society (Fabricant & Gould, 1993; McNeil, 1998).
Women can apply cosmetics to both hide the things she doesn't like (such as wrinkle,
blemish and, scar, etc.) and accentuates the things she does like (such as eyes, lips, cheeks,
etc.).
Makeup is used as a beauty aid to help build up the self-esteem and confidence of the
individual using it. People are becoming more aware of cosmetics as they want to stay and
look attractive. Mulhern et al. (2003) suggested that cosmetics can be used in a number of
ways, which means a different level of make-up, to manipulate the facial characteristics, and
so become a useful tool to enhance one's attractiveness.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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Studies have found that people who use cosmetics lead to a positive evaluation of
women, such as happier, healthier, better social skills and successful (Chiu & Babcock,
2002).
1.2.2 Piercings
Definition
A piercing is a puncture made in the skin or cartilage by a needle. After that, a piece
of jewelry is inserted in the hole. Commonly pierced body parts are the ears, nose, and belly
button. Oral piercings include the lip, cheek, and tongue (Mary L. Gavin, MD, 2017)
History
Archeologists have found evidence of tattoos, piercings, and scarification as far back
as 2000 BC, when they were largely used as a form of art or to identify group membership,
such as a religious group or tribe. Although mostly used to describe loyalty, interests, and
lifestyle choices, body modification had also been used to label criminals, slaves, and
convicts. Although in the late 20th century, most tattoos were on men, ranging from the
stereotypical tattooed sailors and motorcycle bikers (e.g., The Hells Angels in the 1960s) to
1980s gang members, now, tattoos are collections of colorful ornamentations for both women
and men (Breuner CC, 2017).
Piercings may have only become widely popular in mainstream culture in recent
years, but the practice of body piercing is far from new (Laura, October 7, 2013). Piercing
dates back to Bible times and earlier. Although modified over time, the trend of body
piercing dates back to ancient times, when people used to pierce their bodies for different
religious reasons. Then, the art of piercing marked spiritual rites of passage and of liberation.
On the other hand, some people preferred intimate or erotic piercing for sexual
enhancements. Today people recognize body piercing as Gothic fashion or bold fashion
accessory or to make a statement. The piercing locations have also changed with time. In
recent times, piercing is a more visible pattern in both men and women.
After a long history of negative stigmatization, the practices of tattooing and body
piercing have become fashionable in the last decade. A recent survey of more than 10.500
people revealed that 10% of the population of England aged 16 and over has some form of
body modification in sites other than the earlobe, with a heavy representation of women and
younger age groups. Preference about common body sites among women starts from the
navel (33%), followed by the nose (19%) and the ear (13%, other than the lobe). Among
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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males, the order seems to be significantly different, descending in popularity from the nipple,
eyebrow, ear, tongue, nose, lip and, genitals (Bone, Ncube, Nichols & Noah, 2008).
Types
There are many different types of piercings, and they are generally categorized either
by the general area of the body they are located or the way in which they are pierced.
Types of Facial Piercings
This includes all types of lip piercings and oral piercings.
o Eyebrow
o Nose Piercings
o Cheek
o Lip Piercings
o Tongue
o Tongue Frenulum
o Tooth Piercing
Types of Ear Piercings
o Lobe
o Industrial Piercing
o Helix
o Snug
o Rook
o Tragus and Anti-Tragus
o Conch
Types of Body Piercings
This includes everything from the neck.
o Belly button
o Nipple Piercing
o Surface Piercings:
o Neck Piercing
o Nape Piercing
o The clavicle or Collar Bone Piercing
o Sternum Piercing
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o Cleavage Piercing
o Wrist Piercing
o Finger Piercing
o Hip Piercing
o Back Dimple Piercing
o Nail Piercing
Types of Genital Piercings
o Female Genital Piercings
o Male Genital Piercings
Functions
There are many reasons for getting pierced. Some get piercings as a form of personal
expression, as a religious tradition and sometimes to conquer fear. More recently, people
have been using piercings as a form of healing (Marina Buksov, September 8, 2017).
Acupuncture and Auriculotherapy came about during the Stone Age and have
advanced into the specific fields of medicines. Dr. Paul Nogier, the father of Modern
Asuriculotherapy, noticed that there was a connection between a part of the ear that was
stimulated and another part on the body and it could be measured using modern equipment.
Both acupuncture and auriculotherapy, a piercing can be placed in a specific spot to stimulate
the reflex points in that area. By DOIng this, it increases the flow of energy within the body
which helps alleviate a certain pain and regulate the body’s functions and internal organs.
Parts of the ear where piercings help:
Conch: muscle relaxation and help in chronic pain
Stretched Lobes: the symbol of expanded vision on a spiritual level
Cartilage Rim/ Helix: insomnia and allergy relief.
Applications
From traditional to pop culture, there are as many reasons for piercing as there are
people. Piercing is a personal journey and the reason for taking the first steps varies from
person to person (Wark Jennifer, 2006)
Tradition
In certain cultures, particular body piercings are a part of their heritage and tradition.
In Asian cultures, a nose piercing is considered to be a rite of passage. This piercing is given
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
8
upon the transition to adulthood for young women, and in some cases is never removed.
These traditions remain strong in these cultures and can be seen in practice today.
Aesthetics
Many people simply like the way body piercings look. This aesthetic attraction to
piercings may have roots in popular culture, but differs in that popular opinion will not affect
the person's decision on where and how to be pierced.
Popular Culture
It cannot be denied popular culture has had an irreversible influence on the culture of
body modification, including piercings. Piercing trends include navel piercings, labret
piercings and, cartilage piercings, all of which have been displayed by pop culture icons in
recent decades. The popularity of these piercings has risen dramatically among young adults
where marketing is targeted.
1.2.3 Interpersonal Attraction
Definition
Interpersonal attraction can be defined as a motivational state in which an individual
is predisposed to think, feel, and usually behave in a positive manner toward another person
(Berscheid 1985). Interpersonal attraction, therefore, is much more than merely the sum of
positive features associated with the object of attraction.
Attractiveness is typically defined as the person’s aesthetic appeal as a visual stimulus
(Cash, Rissi & Chapman, 1985).
History
Attractiveness is not only important for adults’ perception, but also for children.
According to Berry (2000), children gaze for a longer period of time at attractive adults than
less attractive adults. Over the years, the attraction construct has been operationalized and
measured in different ways. It is actually, physical overall attractiveness judgment consists of
both facial attractiveness and body attractiveness. Researchers have found that some faces
rather than others are considered attractive when shown to others through which impressions
are formed based on facial attractiveness (Tuk et al, 2008).
Types
There are different types of attraction: physical, social and task attraction.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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1. Physical attraction: it includes the beauty/attractiveness of an individual’s face and
other physical attributes such as height, body, shape. Beauty may be only seen
through eyes but we may associate many positive traits, such as sociability and
competence with being physically attractive as well (McCroskey & McCain, 1974).
Specific facial characteristics make people attractive and others form an impression of
them. For example, women wear more make-up when they are to meet someone who
is physically attractive. The physical attraction includes:
a. Romantic: Romantic relationships are often conceptualized as friendships
marked by passion, commitment and, intimacy.
2. Social attraction: it includes being someone that people would like to talk to,
socialize with, have fun or be pleasant around with. Social attraction can also mean
that extroversion I more desirable than introversion. The social attraction includes:
a. Friendship: Friendship is defined as the rule-governed relationship that
parties enter into by choice.
b. Family: Communication issues are at the heart of healthy and successful
family dynamics.
3. Task attraction: it includes whether people are willing to help us get what we want,
such as by being reliable, dependable, and someone whom we can work with. For
example, we tend to seek partners who are capable of helping us achieve our goals
and have a willingness to help us (Montoya & Horton, 2013). Task attraction
includes:
a. Professional Relationships: In today’s information and service-centered
economies, success in your career will be great by your abilities to relate to
others interpersonally.
b. Interpersonal Competence: Effective communicators are able to demonstrate
flexibility and appropriateness in adapting to a variety of types of
communication situations.
Theoretical explanations
Humans, working from the perspective of exchange theory, states that people consider
the rewards versus the costs of any potential relationship (Lindzay and Aronson 1969) and
are attracted to those people who provide the most reward at the least cost. From this
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
10
perspective, the ideal relationship is one in which both participants have equal costs and
rewards so that neither feels cheated or exploited.
Different factors come into play when one is evaluating someone as a potential friend
or a potential work partner or a potential romantic partner. There seem to be inferred qualities
that make a stranger appear to be likable or not likable. One such study done by Hewitt and
Goldman (1982) found that when videotapes of women were shown to males and females to
judge, those most often chosen were apt to be described as sociable, cheerful, and positive
emotionally; the under chosen were more apt to be described as negative and moody.
Friendship
Being perceived as friendly, pleasant, polite, and easy to talk to increases a person's
ability to attract potential friends (Johnson, 1989). A study had been conducted on 60
undergraduate male population and was asked to rate male and female sample and then were
asked whether they would like to meet the people shown in the sample. The people rated as
most attractive were chosen less frequently; they were judged to be more egocentric and less
kind. It was the people who were rated moderately attractive who were seen as being the type
of person most of the subjects would like to meet. Webb et al. (1989) found that elders may
sometimes perceive young people as attractive or unattractive, but they still prefer to
associate with individuals who are middle-aged or older. Looking at these results in terms of
exchange theory, a study done by Gailucci (1984) found out that people often rate themselves
as bringing moderate attractiveness to a relationship and feel that extreme attractiveness
throws off the equality.
Sexual attraction and romantic relationships
Males and females differ in their ability to distinguish between friendly and sexually
interested behavior, i.e., males is more likely to see sexual intent where females see only
friendly behavior. Men and women also differ as to the relative importance of physical
features and personal qualities in determining the choice of romantic partners. Even though
both sexes rated personal qualities as being more important than physical features, males
placed greater emphasis on the physical than did women (Nevid 1984).
Impression management
A basic tenet of impression management theory (Goffman, 1959) is that people try to
control their communicative behaviors—particularly nonverbal cues—in order to create
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
11
desired impressions of themselves. Such attempts consist of all modifications made to the
body, including pierced ears, tattoos, and clothing (Johnson, Hegland, & Schofield, 1999).
Not all efforts to manage desirable impressions, however, are successful.
Social psychologists use the term impression management (or self-presentation) to
describe these efforts to make a good impression on others, and the results of their research
on this process suggest that it is well worth the effort: People who perform impression
management successfully do often gain important advantages in many situations (e.g., Sharp
& Getz, 1996; Wayne & Liden, 1995). While individuals use many different techniques for
boosting their image, most of these fall into two major categories: self-enhancement—efforts
to increase their appeal to others—and other-enhancement—efforts to make the target person
feel good in various ways. With respect to self-enhancement, specific strategies include
efforts to boost one’s appearance—either physical or professional. Physical appearance
relates to the attractiveness and physical appeal of the individual, while professional
appearance relates to personal grooming, appropriate dress, and personal hygiene (Hosada et
al., 2003). The existence of huge beauty aids and clothing industries suggests ways in which
people attempt to improve both aspects of their appearance.
1.2.4 Population
Definition
A young adult is generally a person ranging in age from their late teens or early
twenties to their thirties, although definitions and opinions, such as Erik Erikson's stages of
human development, vary. The young adult stage in human development precedes middle
adulthood. The age range is 18-24 years of age.
1.3 PRESENT STUDY
1.3.1 Statement of the Problem
Kind of cosmetics that females often use that increase facial attractiveness.
Types of nose piercings that increase their facial attractiveness.
Relationship between females’ use of cosmetics and nose piercings in opposite-sex
attraction.
Relationship between females’ use of cosmetics and nose piercings in same-sex
attraction.
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12
1.3.2 Significance of the Study
The present study focuses on examining the relationship between samples usage of
cosmetics and nose piercings in interpersonal attraction. This study is an attempt to
understand whether the use of cosmetics and nose piercing increases the chances of
interpersonal attraction in individuals. There is existing literature that suggests that cosmetics
are used for enhancing the features of women that increases interpersonal attraction. Certain
literature reviews also suggest that piercings have positive feedback from peer groups and
society, indirectly increasing their interpersonal attraction. Faces are considered as the most
important part when it comes to physical attraction. Piercings have cultural significance too.
Most cultures in India believe that a nose piercing brings good luck and prosperity. Piercings
have a global history, wherein, body modifications, like tattoos and piercings, range back to
the Ancient era.
Aim
To study if the use of cosmetics and nose piercing influence interpersonal attraction in
young adults.
Objectives
1. To find out what kinds of cosmetics females often use that increases their facial
attractiveness.
2. To find out what types of nose piercings increase facial attractiveness in females.
3. To examine the relationship between females’ use of cosmetics and nose piercings in
opposite-sex attraction.
4. To examine the relationship between females’ use of cosmetics and nose piercings in
same-sex attraction.
CHAPTER 2
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13
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Women tend to place considerable emphasis on their appearances when compared with men.
When women grow up, there is a transformation within their lifestyles, and, due to the
traditional gender role, there is an expectation on women that should be concerned with their
own appearances (Drakuli, 1993, 1996). In recent years, mass media have played a
significant role in promoting fashion and beauty. Cosmetics body piercings have increased
greatly overpopulations in recent years. The media often emphasizes the desirability of a
well-maintained appearance, which is a thin body and beautiful (Ballentine & Ogle, 2005).
Faces are often very important when interacting with others because impressions are formed
and based on facial features (Tuk et al., 2008).
Facial cosmetics and individual differences
Alex Jones & Robin Kramer (2015) did a study on whether facial cosmetics have little
effect on attractiveness judgments as that compared with identity. Women were photographed
with and without cosmetics, and the images were rated for attractiveness by a second group
of participants. In order to compare the effect sizes of cosmetics and identity, they collected
attractiveness ratings for photographs of the same models with and without cosmetics. Each
rater only saw one image of each model (either with or without cosmetics, selected
randomly), avoiding carry-over effects while allowing both factors to varying simultaneously.
The data followed a repeated measures design, where each model had an attractiveness rating
(by averaging across raters) for both levels of cosmetics condition (with and without) and
rater sex (male and female). Identity was the differences between individuals (models). Even
though models applied the same range of cosmetics themselves, each individual likely had
their own history of using makeup, individual skill level, and preferences for a particular
appearance, leading to differences in the amount of makeup applied. These can result in
attractiveness bias. To test this possibility, the researchers presented ten new participants with
both the ‘without’ and ‘with cosmetics’ photographs of each model on the screen next to each
other and asked: “how much makeup has this person put on?” Participants indicated their
response on a 1 (very light) to 7 (very heavy) scales, and the ratings were then averaged out
to provide a 'cosmetics quantity' score. The analysis was then repeated as above but entered
the ‘quantity’ score as a covariate after mean centering the variable. This study also examined
that identity was 31.4 times more important than cosmetics. The results were that the number
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
14
of cosmetics showed no relationship with the attractiveness changes for models as rated by
women or by men. Therefore, the number of cosmetics applied by models did not predict the
resulting change in attractiveness, confirming our earlier analyses.
Nancy L. Etcoff et al., (2011) conducted a study on cosmetics as a feature of the extended
human phenotype: modulation of the perception of biologically important facial signals. In
this study, the researchers investigated the use of color cosmetics. They conducted two
studies wherein they asked viewers to rate the same female faces with or without color
cosmetics, where, the style of makeup varied from minimal (natural) to dramatic
(glamorous). The study included only North American subjects. In the first study, 149 adults
were used and in the second study, 119 adults were used, of different ethnicities. Faces of the
models were shown for 250ms and then the participants were asked to rate them for
attractiveness, competence, likeability, and trustworthiness. Cosmetics had a significant
positive effect on all outcomes. Finally, this study also provided additional information that
judgments of facial trustworthiness and facial attractiveness were least partially separable; the
highest contrast makeup (glamorous) increased attractiveness significantly while at the same
time decreasing judgments of trustworthiness. Lastly, this study looked at a potential source
that the use of cosmetics and its effect on face perception, increasing luminance contrast
between the features such as eyes and lips and the surrounding skin in African American and
Hispanic Faces. The researchers also found that cosmetics increase luminance contrast by
significantly darkening the eyes and lips. The skin of the participants was neither lightened
nor darkened. Cosmetics altered possible changes in the smoothness of skin tone, redness of
skin color and/or lip color, and in shading that accentuates the cheekbones.
Atoum & Al- Simadi (2000) conducted a study on whether face plays a critical role when
judging someone as attractive or unattractive because facial features are the most visually
attended to compared to other parts of the body. The review of literature in this study stated
that facial attractiveness plays a fairly good indicator of overall physical attractiveness
(Currie & Little, 2009; Saxton, Burris, Murray, Rowland, & Roberts, 2009). Considering this
factor, facial attractiveness serves as a valuable tool in understanding everyday social
interactions. Some people believe that those with attractive faces are more kind, intelligent,
successful (Foos & Clark, 2011), and trustworthy than those with unattractive faces (Schmidt,
Levenstein, & Ambadar, 2012). Additionally, people also perceive that unattractive faces
possess a host of negative characteristics, such as lower levels of intelligence and kindness,
both deriving from the “what is ugly is bad” stereotype (Sacco, Hugenberg, & Kiel, 2013).
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15
Furthermore, exposure to unattractive faces can stimulate the amygdala and insula, areas of
the brain regularly associated with repulsive responses (Sacco, Hugenberg, & Kiel, 2013).
Use of cosmetics and facial attraction
Mulhern et al., (2013) conducted a research on whether cosmetics improve female
facial attractiveness and whether different cosmetic products enhance female beauty. 10
volunteers were made-up by a professional under 5 cosmetic conditions: no makeup,
foundation only, eye-makeup only, lip makeup only and full facial makeup. Therefore, the
effect of make-up on attractiveness was assessed using 10 Caucasian female volunteers
between the ages of 31 and 38. The volunteers were prepared by a professional beautician
and photographed under 5 conditions: i) no make-up, ii) foundation only, iii) eye make-up
only, iv) lip make-up only, v) full facial make-up. Male and female participants were asked to
rank each set from most attractive to least attractive. Despite having the highest mean of all
groups, the full make-up conditions also had the highest standard deviation of all 5
conditions. This suggests that not all participants (both male and female groups) concurred
that all volunteers were most attractive when they were fully made-up. The same may also
be true of the foundation and no make-up conditions where SD was also relatively high. Both
female and male participants found volunteers with full makeup had a more attractive face
than no makeup. Unlike women, men showed a surprising preference for foundation
(22.10%) as a first choice after the all make-up condition, followed by the eyes (18.30%). A
very small percentage of men chose the no make-up condition (3.80%) as their first choice,
which was more frequent than lips (1%). Pairwise comparison was done with the help of
Friedman’s analysis of variance. The results of female scores revealed a significant difference
in attractiveness between foundation/eyes and foundation/all, no but the difference between
all/eyes. This indicated that for women, eye make-up contributed significantly to the
attractiveness of the all make-up group, but the foundation was less significant. Statistical
analysis found that both sexes judged fully made-up faces as significantly more attractive
than the same faces with no make-up
Tang Hong Hang (2010) conducted a study on The Effect of Different Make-up
Conditions on Facial Attractiveness and Attractiveness Bias. 120 people were used as
participants for the research. The study was done to find out whether participants rated full
makeup look as more attractive or no makeup look as more attractive. A within-subjects
design was used, which referred to each participant had to see all five sets of the photograph.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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The results found out that male preferred female with full makeup as more attractive than
without makeup. Whereas for females, they preferred only eye makeup and foundation on
cheeks to be more attractive than full makeup look. The application of only eye makeup was
found to be more attractive than only lipstick and foundation on cheeks. One-way Repeated
Measure of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out to compare the ratings of
attractiveness. Gender differences in terms of facial attractiveness mean scores were
compared.
Ian D Stephen, Angela M McKeegan (2010) conducted a study on how lip color
affects perceived sex typicality and attractiveness of human faces. Red lips have often been
considered most attractive in women, geographically and in diverse cultures. This study was
done to investigate the effects of lip luminance and color contrast on the attractiveness and
sex typicality of human faces. 48 Caucasian participants (males and females) were
photographed without makeup for this study. The researchers used MatLab to produce masks
with even coloration representing the lips (with a Gaussian blur at the edges). Participants
were presented with the 288 trials, one face at a time in random order on a calibrated CRT
monitor (Stephen et al 2009a, 2009b). Trials were separated into blocks by trial type
(attractive, masculine, and feminine). The results were found out to be in line with the
contrast preference described by Russell (2003) that redness of lips enhanced the femininity
and attractiveness of female faces. In the original face images, redness contrast between lips
and skin was positive, indicating that lips are redder than skin. Also, in males' faces, the
redness of lips was reduced to enhance masculinity and to increase attractiveness. The study
also showed that color contrast between lips and facial skin affects the perceptions of sex
typicality and attractiveness in male and female faces. In addition to this, shape cues, color
cues are important in biologically relevant perceptions of attractiveness, health, and sex
typicality.
Guéguen (2008) conducted a study that looked at women’s date requests and whether
the use of cosmetics played an influential role in women’s facial attractiveness. This research
indicated that men approached women who wore makeup more quickly, faster than those
without makeup. This illustrated that cosmetic use can lead to the initiation of future mating
relationships as well as trigger the competition between women for desirable mates. Since
men have placed much more emphasis on a woman’s physical appearance than on her other
characteristics, the rivalry among women to allure men through the use of their physical
attributes is rooted in their views of attractiveness (Buss, 2003). Men tend to favor mates who
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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display youthful, attractive qualities (e.g., smooth skin, soft hair) and sexual maturity (Singh,
1993b). A women’s reproductive status is contingent upon age because evolution has played
a definitive role in these preferences, considering that a woman’s fertile window diminishes
rapidly after 30 years of age and ceases during menopause (Buss & Schmitt, 1993). Physical
features, such as symmetry (Gangestad & Thornhill, 1998) and facial masculinity (Perrett et
al., 1999), are seen as attractive in men.
Piercings and attractiveness
Stefan Stieger et al. (2012) conducted a study on the influence of facial piercings and
observer personality on perceptions of physical attractiveness and intelligence. The primary
aim of the study was to look at the influence of facial piercings on observer ratings of
physical attractiveness and intelligence. A secondary aim was to examine the effects of
participant traits on ratings of the physical attractiveness of stimuli with and without facial
piercings. The research also looked at whether or not the participant traits area unit was
related to ratings of people with facial piercings. This was operationalized through the Big
Five personality factors, sensation seeking, and political orientation. 230 women and 210
men recruited from the Southern German-speaking area of Central Europe (mainly Austria).
All participants were of European Caucasian descent and in terms of religion, 69.5% self-
reported as being Christians, 23.0% as atheists, 4.1% as being unsure of their religious
beliefs, and 3.4% of some other religious affiliation. The researchers initially selected a male
and female model with no facial piercings. The models were presented with either singular
piercings (on the right eyebrow, right nostril, right ear, and bottom lip) or multiple piercings
(full combinations of these locations). This resulted in a total of 16 female and male pictures,
respectively, of which one had no piercings, four had a single piercing, and eleven had
multiple piercings. The order of presentation of images was partially randomized, i.e.,
participants were always exposed to the image with no piercings first, followed by all
remaining images in random order. In addition, the order of presentation of stimuli by sex
(male or female first) was randomized for each participant. Participants self-reported their
personality profiles using the TIPI (Ten-Item Personality Inventory), a brief, 10-item measure
used for assessing the Big Five personality factors. Results for the female stimuli showed that
the control stimulus (no piercing) was rated as more attractive than stimuli with single
piercings and multiple piercings, respectively, whereas stimuli with single piercings were
rated as a lot of enticing than stimuli with multiple piercings. Mauchly's test of sphericity was
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significant for Piercings. A series of pairwise t-tests showed that, for female stimuli, the
management stimulation was rated as a lot attractive as stimuli with single piercings and
multiple piercings, severally, whereas stimuli with single piercings were rated as more
attractive than stimuli with multiple piercings.
Bogusław Antoszewski et al., (2009) conducted a study on tattooing and body
piercing – what motivates you to do it? The aim of the study was to establish the socio-
demographic characteristics of people with tattoos or body piercing and to analyze the
motivations for body ornamentation. The study took place in Poland. The data was collected
from a group of 968 people, 476 of whom had a piercing and 492 a permanent tattoo. Most of
the data were collected during spring and summer when piercings and tattoos were
observable, particularly at swimming pools. Those who consented to take part were given
questionnaires to complete according to the attached instructions. Contact with each subject
lasted 20–30 minutes. All participants answered questions concerning gender; age at the time
of examination; an age when their tattoo/piercing was performed; birthplace; results at
school; current education (respondents and their parents); the number of ornaments possessed
and stimulant usage (cigarettes, alcohol, drugs). Each respondent was asked if they would
describe themselves as easily irritable and whether they had been described as aggressive.
Additionally, questions regarding motivation for body ornamentation were asked: if body
ornamentation helped in self-determination; proved that you were brave; attracted other
people’s attention; increased self-esteem; increased your sexual attractiveness; adapted you to
your group of friends. Most of the data were compared using the Chi-square test. The t-test
was used on the age of first body modification. Analysis of the reasons for tattooing or body
piercing revealed that the most common motivation was a desire to enhance one’s own
individuality (43.3% tattoo; 67% piercing). According to 26% of the tattoo group and 35.8%
of the body piercing group, the ornamentation helped with self-determination and proved that
they were courageous. The respondents with a tattoo and some with body piercings said that
it increased their sexual attractiveness. Statistical analysis revealed that those with a body
piercing significantly more often believed that their ornamentation positively influenced their
sexual attractiveness. Literature studies also indicate that people ornamenting their bodies
believe that tattooing or piercing increases their sexual attractiveness (stirn, 2003; Drews et
al., 2000; Ferguson, 1999).
Seiter and Sandry (2003) conducted a study on pierced for success? The effects of ear
and nose piercing on perceptions of job candidates' credibility, attractiveness, and hirability.
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of body piercing on perceptions of an
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
19
employment seeker's credibility, hirability, and attractiveness. Undergraduate students (n=93)
and managers (n=101) were the participants for the study. They were exposed to a
photograph of a job candidate who wore either no jewelry and earring, or a nose ring, and
then rated dimensions of the candidate's credibility, hirability, and attractiveness. Three color
photographs and a questionnaire were used as the materials in this study. One male
undergraduate student (age 22) volunteered to be a model for all three photos. In each picture,
he was shown from the shoulders up, wearing the same collared shirt and the same facial
expression (i.e., pleasant but not smiling). The lighting, angle, and background were
consistent for all three photographs, but the model's jewelry was not. In the first photograph,
he wore no jewelry. In the second he wore a small, gold hoop on his left earlobe. In the third,
he wore a small, gold ring through his left nostril. The questionnaire included several 7-point
Likert-type scales that were intended to assess participants' perceptions of the photographed
model's credibility, attractiveness, and hirability. First, the model's credibility was assessed
with the Source Credibility Scale (McCroskey, Hamilton, & Weiner, 1974) and the
Individualized Trust Scale (Wheeless & Grotz, 1977), which was previously validated
(Rubin, Palmgreen, & Sypher, 1994). A previously validated Interpersonal Attraction Scale
(McCroskey & McCain, 1974; Rubin et al., 1994) suggests that attraction between people is
characterized by three dimensions, including Social Attraction, Physical Attraction, and Task
Attraction. All participants had volunteered consciously and were randomly assigned to look
at one of the three photographs of the model and complete the questionnaires. Multivariate
analysis of variance was performed using the type of jewelry worn by the model (i.e., none,
earring, or nose ring) and participant type (i.e., manager or student) as the independent
variables, and perceptions of the model's credibility (trust, competence, composure, character,
sociability, extroversion), attractiveness (task, physical, and social attraction), and hirability
as the dependent variables. Specifically, no significant differences were found between
conditions for ratings of social attractiveness, physical attractiveness or task attractiveness,
but the model was perceived as significantly less hirable when he was wearing a nose ring
than he was in the other two conditions. Analysis indicated that although the candidate's
attractiveness ratings were not affected by the type of jewelry he wore, his credibility ratings
decreased when he was wearing jewelry, and his hirability ratings decreased when he was
wearing a nose ring.
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Piercings and attitudes towards piercings
Bogusław Antoszewski et al., (2009) conducted a study on tattooing and body
piercing – what motivates you to do it? The aim of the study was to establish the socio-
demographic characteristics of people with tattoos or body piercing and to analyze the
motivations for body ornamentation. The study took place in Poland. The data was collected
from a group of 968 people of which 476 had a piercing done and 492 had permanent tattoos.
Most of the data were collected during spring and summer when piercings and tattoos were
observable, particularly at swimming pools. However, the answers indicated that those with a
body piercing more often experienced negative social reactions (14.1%) than those with a
tattoo (6.7%). Moreover, respondents with a tattoo more often met with a negative reaction
from their peers (4.1%) than those with a piercing (0%). 51% of respondents with a tattoo
said that for formal meetings they tried to hide their tattoo and 18.1% of respondents stated
that they had to remove piercings in such situations.
Bone et al. (2008) conducted a study on body piercings in England: a survey piercing
at sites other than earlobes. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of body
piercings, other than of earlobes, in general, the adult population of England. British Market
Research Bureau (BMRB) was used to conduct a survey in January to March 2005. 10,530
individuals living in England, over the age group of 16 years were used as a sample.
Piercings in women were more common than piercings in men. Piercings were also common
in younger age groups (<16). Women aged between 16-24 years had more piercings in the
facial area.
Schorzman et al., (2006) conducted a study on body art: attitudes and practices
regarding body piercing among urban undergraduates. The aim of the study was to describe
the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of young adults toward body piercing. 105
undergraduate students were recruited for the study. The students belonged to American,
Caucasian, African-American population. An anonymous 30-item survey was given to them
at a campus health service of a large urban university. The questionnaire collected data on
students’ perceptions regarding the social acceptability of body piercing, their experiences,
and attitudes toward this type of body art, and their knowledge of associated with health
risks. Most participants from the age range 17 to 25 years reported having a body piercing at
one time. Participants with a piercing were more likely to have a tattoo too. The majority of
participants reported “liking” body piercing on others, though a smaller percentage reported
“liking” it on their own selves. Participants estimated the chance of potential health risks as a
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
21
result of body piercing as follows: bleeding, infection, bruising, allergic reaction, cyst or
tetanus, hepatitis B, and human immune-deficiency virus. Non-pierced participants assessed
the probability of adverse events as a result of body piercing at 43%, whereas their pierced
counterparts estimated the risk at 30%. These participants reported knowing someone (i.e.,
other than themselves) who experienced a health problem as a result of body piercing, though
few pierced participants reported similar personal experiences.
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CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
Variables:
1. Independent Variables:
o Use of cosmetics
Conceptual definition: According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2009),
the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act define cosmetics as the products (except soap)
that are intended applying to the external part of the human body for cleansing,
beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance.
Operational definition:
The following conditions were used in the study:
Foundation and eye makeup
Lipstick and foundation
Eye makeup and lipstick
Eye makeup, lipstick, and foundation
No makeup
o Face piercing
Conceptual definition: A face piercing is a piercing or puncture made in the skin or
cartilage by a needle. After that, a piece of jewelry is inserted in the hole or the
puncture (Mary L. Gavin, MD, 2017).
Operational definition:
Nose piercing: The nostril piercing, the septum is another option for a nose piercing. A
septum piercing is located at the base of your nose in on the narrow divider of skin
(Mary L. Gavin, MD, 2017)
Nose piercing
Foundation and eye makeup
Nose piercing
Lipstick and foundation
Nose piercing
Eye makeup and lipstick
Nose piercing
Eye makeup, lipstick, and foundation
Nose piercing
No makeup
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2. Dependent Variable: Interpersonal Attraction
Conceptual definition: Interpersonal attraction can be defined as a motivational state
in which an individual is predisposed to think, feel, and usually behave in a positive
manner toward another person (Berscheid 1985). It consists of three dimensions: a)
social or liking dimension, b) task or respect dimension and c) physical or appearance
dimension.
Operational definition: The Measurement of Interpersonal Attraction (James C.
Mccroskey And Thomas A. Mccai, 1974) was used to measure the three dimensions
of interpersonal attraction that are social, task and physical dimensions.
3. Controlled Variable: Age range of the participants will be restricted to 18-24 years of
age and individuals with severe mental illness will not be included in the study.
Hypotheses
1. The use of cosmetics in young adults increases their interpersonal attraction.
2. Young adults who use cosmetics and have nose piercings have higher chances of
interpersonal attraction than those who don’t.
Method
This study investigates the influence of facial cosmetics and nose piercing in
interpersonal attraction in young adults.
Sample criteria
The sample was taken from Amity University, Mumbai. For this study, a sample of 70
individuals was used. The age range was 18-25 years. This age range is called as young
adults.
Inclusion criteria
- Individuals from the age range of 18 to 25 years were used in the study.
- The population should have completed their primary education (5th std)
- Both males and females were included as participants in the study.
- People from all kinds of socio-economic strata were included in the study.
Exclusion criteria
- Individuals above & below the age range 18- 25 years were excluded from the study.
Sampling method
Probability sampling technique: Probability Sampling is a sampling technique in
which samples from a larger population is chosen using a method based on the theory of
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
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probability. For a participant to be considered as a probability sample, they must be selected
using a random selection.
Procedure
After the research proposal was approved, a consent letter was formed and was given
to the participants before the starting of the study. The consent of the individuals whose
photos were supposed to be shown was also taken. All the photos were selected under the
five conditions (nose piercing with no makeup, nose piercing with eye makeup and
foundation, nose piercing with eye makeup and lipstick, nose piercing with foundation and
lipstick, nose piercing with eye makeup, foundation, and lipstick). Only the participants who
had given their consent were showed the photos of the individuals. It was clarified with each
participant that they can withdraw their participation from the study at any point in time if
they felt uncomfortable and that no details would be revealed to anyone. After explaining
this, each participant had to sign a consent form in which mention of the name was not
compulsory in order to maintain confidentiality. A pilot study was conducted using one
sample model picture selected under the following five conditions were selected. Data
analysis for the pilot study was done using SPSS software version 21. After calculating the
results for the pilot study, the actual data collection for the present research study was started.
After that, a questionnaire on interpersonal attraction was given to the participants to rate the
photos on their level of attraction in terms of physical, social and task dimensions. On
average, each participant took about 20 minutes. After the completion of the questionnaires,
the participants were thanked and debriefed about the study. They were also provided with an
email address if at any point they want to contact the researcher about the study. After all the
participants had filled the questionnaire, it was scored and recorded with no mention of the
name anywhere.
Tools to be used
Consent form
Socio-demographic details
The Measurement of Interpersonal Attraction (James C. Mccroskey And Thomas A.
Mccai, 1974): It is composed of three dimensions: 1. Social or liking dimension, 2.
Task or respect dimension and 3. Physical or appearance dimension. Internal
reliability was obtained on the three dimensions. On the social attraction dimension,
the internal reliability was .84. On the task attraction dimension, the internal
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
25
reliability was estimated to be .81. On the physical attraction dimension, the internal
reliability was calculated to be .86.
Experimental design
This is a two-way ANOVA design with three variables- two independent variables and one
dependent variable.
Statistical analysis
SPSS version 21 was used for conducting Friedman’s Test of Analysis
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
26
CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Preparation of the data
A questionnaire on interpersonal attraction was made using the Google form. It was
then sent to individuals within the age group 18-25 years of age. A pilot study was conducted
using one sample model picture divided into the following five categories wherein nose
piercing being the constant with (full makeup condition, only eye-makeup and lipstick, only
foundation and eye-makeup, only lipstick and foundation and no makeup). Data analysis for
the pilot study was done using SPSS software version 21.
After the pilot study, the main data collection for the present study was started. After
a certain minimum number of responses that were recorded, the Google form was shut, i.e. it
was not accepting any more responses. The data obtained was copied to an excel sheet, and
then transformed into the SPSS software. The responses of the participants’ age, gender,
educational qualification, occupation, name of the city where they live was recorded. No
names, religion of the participants were taken into consideration. All the variables used in the
study like task attraction, social attraction and physical attraction, gender, most attractive and
least attractive, attractiveness symbols were coded.
Descriptive statistics
Once the data was organized, the data analysis was conducted through SPSS version
21. Descriptive statistics were done for the demographic details like gender, age, name of the
city where the participant lives and occupation.
Table 1: Gender Distribution of Sample
Gender
Frequency
Percent
Male
26
37.1
Female
44
62.9
Total
70
100.0
The descriptive statistics were calculated for gender (Male= 26, Female= 44, Mean=
1.63, SD= 0.48) showed that there were 70 participants that participated in the study.
Table 2: Age Distribution of Sample
N
Minimum
Maximum
Mean
SD
Age
70
18
25
21.49
2.09
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27
The descriptive statistics were calculated for age (Mean= 21.49, SD= 2.09) showed
that the minimum age was 18 and the maximum age range was 25.
Table 3: Occupation Distribution of Sample
Occupation
Frequency
Percent
Student
45
64.3
Working
25
35.7
Total
70
100.0
The descriptive statistics were calculated for the occupation of the participants, the
student population was higher than the working population (Mean= 1.36, SD= 0.48).
Table 4(a): Distribution of Participants’ Scores on Most and Least Attractive Model 1
Model 1
Conditions
Most attractive
Least attractive
Score
Percent (%)
Score
Percent (%)
Nose piercing with all make-
up conditions
31
44.3
20
28.6
Nose piercing with
foundation and eye-makeup
8
11.4
7
10
Nose piercing without make-
up
12
17.1
11
15.7
Nose piercing with lipstick
and foundation
17
24.3
3
4.3
Nose piercing with lipstick
and eye-makeup
2
2.9
29
41.4
Total
70
100
70
100
The descriptive statistics of Model 1 for the most attractive category were calculated
(M= 3.59, SD= 0.78) and the least attractive category was calculated (M=3.31, SD= 1.77).
Table 4 (b): Distribution of Participants’ Scores on Most and Least Attractive Model 2
Model 2
Conditions
Most attractive
Least attractive
Score
Percent (%)
Score
Percent (%)
Nose piercing with all make-
16
22.9
29
41.4
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
28
up conditions
Nose piercing with
foundation and eye-makeup
11
15.7
12
17.1
Nose piercing without make-
up
11
15.7
17
24.3
Nose piercing with lipstick
and foundation
25
35.7
2
2.9
Nose piercing with lipstick
and eye-makeup
7
10
10
14.3
Total
70
100
70
100
The descriptive statistics of Model 2 for the most attractive category were calculated
(M= 3.14, SD= 1.25) and the least attractive category was calculated (M=2.31, SD= 1.41).
Table 4 (c): Distribution of Participants’ Scores on Most and Least Attractive Model 3
Model 3
Conditions
Most attractive
Least attractive
Score
Percent (%)
Score
Percent (%)
Nose piercing with all make-
up conditions
9
12.9
10
14.3
Nose piercing with
foundation and eye-makeup
9
12.9
10
14.3
Nose piercing without make-
up
17
24.3
20
28.6
Nose piercing with lipstick
and foundation
9
12.9
16
22.9
Nose piercing with lipstick
and eye-makeup
26
37.1
14
20.0
Total
70
100
70
100
The descriptive statistics of Model 3 for the most attractive category were calculated
(M= 3.49, SD= 1.43) and the least attractive category was calculated (M= 3.20, SD= 1.31).
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
29
Table 4 (d): Distribution of Participants’ Scores on Most and Least Attractive Model 4
Model 4
Conditions
Most attractive
Least attractive
Score
Percent (%)
Score
Percent (%)
Nose piercing with all make-
up conditions
22
31.4
26
37.1
Nose piercing with
foundation and eye-makeup
5
7.1
8
11.4
Nose piercing without make-
up
6
8.6
21
30.0
Nose piercing with lipstick
and foundation
31
44.3
7
10.0
Nose piercing with lipstick
and eye-makeup
6
8.6
8
11.4
Total
70
100
70
100
The descriptive statistics of Model 4 for the most attractive category were calculated
(M= 3.50, SD= 1.16) and the least attractive category was calculated (M= 2.47, SD= 1.38).
Table 4 (e): Distribution of Participants’ Scores on Most and Least Attractive Model 5
Model 5
Conditions
Most attractive
Least attractive
Score
Percent (%)
Score
Percent (%)
Nose piercing with all make-
up conditions
30
42.9
17
24.3
Nose piercing with
foundation and eye-makeup
5
7.1
9
12.9
Nose piercing without make-
up
10
14.3
28
40.0
Nose piercing with lipstick
and foundation
13
18.6
4
5.7
Nose piercing with lipstick
and eye-makeup
12
17.1
12
17.1
Total
70
100
70
100
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
30
The descriptive statistics of Model 5 for the most attractive category were calculated
(M= 3.11, SD= 1.50) and the least attractive category was calculated (M= 2.79, SD= 1.35).
Table 5 (a): Distribution of Participants’ Scores on Attractive Features for Model 1
Features
Frequency
Percent
Lipstick
19
27.1
Eye-makeup
5
7.1
Hairstyle
6
8.6
Nose piercing
10
14.3
Make-up
10
14.3
Nose piercing & Makeup
20
28.6
Total
70
100
The table above shows that nose piercing and makeup were rated the highest
attractive feature for Model 1 (M= 4.33, SD= 2.45).
Table 5 (b): Distribution of Participants’ Scores on Attractive Features for Model 2
Features
Frequency
Percent
Lipstick
8
11.5
Eye-makeup
19
27.1
Hairstyle
5
7.1
Nose piercing
6
8.6
Make-up
11
15.7
Nose piercing & Makeup
21
30
Total
70
100
The table above shows that nose piercing and makeup were rated the highest
attractive feature for Model 2 (M= 4.41, SD= 2.17).
Table 5 (c): Distribution of Participants’ Scores on Attractive Features for Model 3
Features
Frequency
Percent
Lipstick
21
25.7
Eye-makeup
6
8.6
Hairstyle
8
11.5
Nose piercing
9
12.9
Make-up
10
14.3
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
31
Nose piercing & Makeup
16
22.9
Total
70
100
The table above shows that the color of the lipstick worn by the model was rated as
the highest attractive feature for Model 3 (M= 4.11, SD= 2.35).
Table 5 (d): Distribution of Participants’ Scores on Attractive Features for Model 4
Features
Frequency
Percent
Lipstick
9
11.6
Eye-makeup
4
7.1
Hairstyle
11
15.7
Nose piercing
19
27.1
Make-up
12
17.1
Nose piercing & Makeup
15
21.4
Total
70
100
The table above shows that only the nose piercing worn by the model was rated as the
highest attractive feature for Model 4 (M= 4.89, SD= 1.79).
Table 5 (e): Distribution of Participants’ Scores on Attractive Features for Model 5
Features
Frequency
Percent
Lipstick
12
17.1
Eye-makeup
10
14.3
Hairstyle
12
17.1
Nose piercing
11
15.7
Make-up
10
14.3
Nose piercing & Makeup
15
21.5
Total
70
100
The table above shows that nose piercing and makeup were rated as the highest
attractive feature for Model 5 (M= 4.07, SD= 1.89).
Friedman’s Test of Analysis
In order to test the hypotheses formed for this present study, Friedman’s test of
analysis was conducted.
First, the Friedman test was conducted to analyze the use of cosmetics and nose
piercing on task or respect attraction.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
32
Table 6: Gender Distribution of Most Attractive Feature in Task Attraction
Gender
Feature
N
Male
Nose piercing & makeup
10
Female
Smile/lipstick shade
12
Table 7: Friedman test of Analysis for Task Attraction
N
70
Chi-square
292.37
df
5
Sig.
0.05
There was found to be a significant difference in the number of responses males and
females gave in relation to the use of cosmetics and nose piercing in young adults on task or
respect attraction. Males rated nose piercing and make-up condition as more task attractive
than females. Females rated smiling face and the lipstick color as more task attractive than
males. Of the five models, nose piercing and makeup condition were found to have the
highest number of responses than other conditions (total no. of responses= 100), the χ2=
292.37, p= 0.05.
Second, the Friedman test was conducted to analyze the use of cosmetics and nose
piercing on social attraction.
Table 8: Gender Distribution of Most Attractive Feature in Social Attraction
Gender
Feature
N
Male
Eye-makeup & nose piercing
8
Female
Eye-makeup & nose piercing
13
Table 9: Friedman test of Analysis for Social Attraction
N
70
Chi-square
140.60
df
3
Sig.
0.05
There was found no difference in the number of responses males and females gave in
relation to the use of cosmetics and nose piercing in young adults on social attraction. Both
males and females rated eye-makeup and nose piercing as more task attractive than females.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
33
Of the five models, only nose piercing without makeup was found to have the highest number
of responses than any other condition (total no. of responses= 50), the χ2= 140.60, p= 0.05.
Third, the Friedman test was conducted to analyze the use of cosmetics and nose
piercing on physical attraction.
Table 10: Gender Distribution of Most Attractive Feature in Physical Attraction
Gender
Feature
N
Male
With makeup & nose
piercing
7
Female
With makeup & nose
piercing
10
Table 11: Friedman test of Analysis for Physical Attraction
N
70
Chi-square
140.58
df
3
Sig.
0.05
There was found a difference in the number of responses males and females gave in
relation to the use of cosmetics and nose piercing in young adults on physical attraction. Both
males and females rated makeup and nose piercing as more task attractive than females. Of
the five models, nose piercing with makeup was found to have the highest number of
responses than any other condition (total no. of responses= 70), the χ2= 140.58, p= 0.05.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
34
DISCUSSION
As a result, the following hypotheses were framed in order to have a better
understanding of the use of cosmetics and nose piercing can increase or decrease
interpersonal attraction. The hypotheses were:
(H₁): Young adults who use cosmetics and have a nose piercing will be perceived to be more
respectful.
(H₂): Young adults who use cosmetics and have a nose piercing will be perceived to be more
sociable.
(H₃): Young adults who use cosmetics and have a nose piercing will be perceived to be more
physically attractive.
(H₄): Young adults who use cosmetics and have a nose piercing will have higher chances of
interpersonal attraction.
To know whether the following hypotheses were accepted or rejected, Friedman's test
of analysis was used.
For the first hypothesis, to test the null hypothesis, the Friedman test was used. The
null hypothesis being, young adults who use cosmetics and have nose piercing will not be
perceived to be more respectful (M=19.43, SD=2.93), and those who use cosmetics and have
nose piercing will be perceived to be more respectful (M=21.11, SD= 3.89). Results indicated
that χ2= 292.37, p < 0.05, which says that the null hypothesis will be rejected and the
alternative hypothesis will be accepted. Therefore, (H₁) Young adults who use cosmetics and
have a nose piercing will be perceived to be more respectful will be accepted. A survey-based
study reported that individuals like piercing(s) on others and accepted it on others rather than
themselves (Schorzman, Gold, Downs, & Murray, 2007).
For the second hypothesis, to test the null hypothesis, the Friedman test was used. The
null hypothesis being, young adults who use cosmetics and have nose pierced will not be
perceived to be more sociable (M= 28.14, SD= 3.76), and those who use cosmetics and have
nose piercing will be perceived to be more sociable (M= 27.50, SD= 3.53). Results indicated
that χ2= 140.60, p> 0.05, which says that the null hypothesis will be accepted and the
alternative hypothesis will be rejected. Therefore, (H₂) Young adults who use cosmetics and
have a nose piercing will not be perceived to be more sociable will be accepted. A study
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
35
found out that facial piercings have a negative effect on interpersonal judgments; most
individuals get their nose pierced so as to feel unique (Stirn 2003). Also, pierced individuals
are judged to be more negative (Swami & Furnham, 2007).
For the third hypothesis, to test the null hypothesis, the Friedman test was used. The
null hypothesis being, young adults who use cosmetics and have nose piercing will not be
perceived to be more physically attractive (M= 23.20, SD= 5.45), and those who use
cosmetics and have nose piercing will be perceived to be more physically attractive (M=
25.53, SD= 4.95). Results indicated that χ2= 140.58, p< 0.05, which says that the null
hypothesis will be rejected and the alternative hypothesis will be accepted. Therefore, (H₃)
Young adults who use cosmetics and have nose piercing will be perceived to be more
physically attractive will be accepted. College students who have a nose piercing on
themselves found them to be less physically attractive than when they found nose piercings
on others (Schorzman, 2007). The item “I think she is quite pretty” was the most highly
loaded item on the physical attraction scale. Facial attractiveness is shown to be an overall
good indicator of physical attractiveness (Rowland & Roberts, 2009)
For the fourth hypothesis, to test the null hypothesis, the Friedman test was used. The
null hypothesis being, young adults who use cosmetics and have nose piercing will not have
chances of interpersonal attraction with others (M= 17.78, SD= 2.91), and those who use
cosmetics and have nose piercing will have chances of interpersonal attraction with others
(M= 21.57, SD= 3.78). Results indicated that χ2= 154.32, p<0.05, which says that the null
hypothesis will be rejected and alternative will be accepted. Therefore, (H₄) Young adults
who use cosmetics and have nose piercing will have higher chances of interpersonal
attraction with others will be accepted. Morrow (1990) described facial interpersonal
attraction as the degree to which a facial image elicits favorable reactions from others. Since
a face plays an important role when judging someone as attractive or unattractive because
facial features are more visually attended to than other body parts (Atoum, 2000).
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
36
CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY
Implications
The present study contributes to the data that the use of cosmetics and nose piercing is
related to interpersonal attraction. It also shows that there is a high relation between the use
of cosmetics and interpersonal attraction in young adults and adolescents. However, due to
less literature on nose piercing and interpersonal attraction, it could not be validated that there
is a relationship between nose piercing and interpersonal attraction. The present study’s
findings have a further practical application that this similar study could be conducted with
different areas and types of nose piercing and with an equal number of male and female
respondents.
Limitations
Since the minimum sample size is supposed to be 100, the present study had only 70
as the sample size. Therefore, a smaller sample size. One of the reasons for this could be that
the questionnaire was really long and there were 15 sets of questions for each stimuli
participant. There could be chances of participant dropout rate.
The five female participant model stimuli that were presented had not been able to
follow all the cosmetic conditions, like in the eye-makeup condition; it included eye-liner,
eye- shadow and mascara. Most females did not know how to use mascara or eye shadow and
thus manipulation had to be done.
Past research has shown that culture affects attraction (Malach Pines, 2001) for both
the perceiver and the individual being perceived. The participants who filled the
questionnaire commented saying that there could be more people used with different types of
nose piercing rather than only stud and ring. They also said that different areas of nose
piercing could be selected rather than only one area.
Most of the participants who filled the questionnaire were familiar with the model
stimuli and made them look more attractive than others. Sappenfield and Baloch in 1970
stated that familiar faces receive more likes than non-familiar faces; they are also viewed to
be physically similar and more attractive than they usually appear to be.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
37
Another limitation could be the age ranges of the persons depicted as the stimuli
photographs were similar to the ages of the majority of the sample (18-25 years). It can be
counted as a limitation for those individuals who may have preferred viewing photographs of
older persons than themselves.
The study also had twice the number of female respondents than male respondents.
Female respondents were 44 and Male were 26. In this case, the study may not actually be
able to predict how males perceive others to be as attractive or nonattractive.
Suggestions for Future Research
The possible suggestions for this study would be that participants could be asked
whether they are comfortable with people who have their nose pierced despite being in their
culture and then could be given the questionnaire to fill, so as to reduce manipulation in the
responses. Another possible suggestion would be that the culture of the participant stimuli
could be taken into consideration.
This chapter discusses the findings supported by existing explanations and researches.
It also discusses practical applications, limitations, and suggestions for future researches.
The purpose of this study was to examine an association between the use of cosmetics
and nose piercing on interpersonal attraction. There was a significant difference found in
individuals who use cosmetics and nose piercings and who have only nose piercings using the
Friedman test of analysis on SPSS (version 21) and the findings were discussed with respect
to existing research and theoretical explanations.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
38
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Appendix A
Consent Form
Introduction: This research study aims to study the influence of the use of cosmetics and
nose piercing on interpersonal attraction in young adults in Mumbai and is conducted by
Vaibhavi Bafna from Amity University, Mumbai.
Procedure: You would be asked to fill a questionnaire that consists of 15 sets of questions
for five participant stimuli. You are requested to answer all the questions truthfully and
complete the questionnaire as soon as possible.
Risks/Discomforts: There are minimal risks for participation in this study.
Benefits: There are no direct benefits to the participants participating in this study. However,
it is hoped that your participation will help the researcher in learning more about the
influence of the use of cosmetics and nose piercing on interpersonal attraction in young adults
in Mumbai.
Confidentiality: All the information provided by you will remain confidential and would
only be reported as group data with no identifying information. All data, including the
demographic details and the questionnaires, will be kept in a secure location and only those
directly involved with the research will have access to them. The information will not be used
for any purpose other than this study. After the research is completed, the questionnaire will
be destroyed.
Participation: Your participation in this research study is voluntary, so you can withdraw
anytime or refuse to participate entirely without any risk.
Questions about the Research: If you have any queries regarding this study, you may
contact Vaibhavi Bafna on vaibhavibafna89@gmail.com.
For the Participant: I have read, understood and received a copy of the above consent form
and hereby agree, of my own free will to participate in this study and provide the information
as required by the researcher.
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46
Appendix B
Interpersonal attraction questionnaire (James McCroskey & McCaai, 1974)
PERSON 1
1. Above are 5 photos of the same person, which according to you is the MOST attractive?
2. Above are 5 photos of the same person, which according to you is the LEAST attractive?
From the basis of the most attractive photo that you liked, please answer the following
questions.
Use the following scale and write one number before each statement to indicate your answer.
1= Strongly disagree; 2= Moderately disagree; 3= Slightly disagree; 4= Undecided; 5=
Slightly agree; 6= Moderately agree; 7 = Strongly agree.
1. She is a typical goof-off when assigned a job to do.
2. It would be difficult to meet and talk with her.
3. We could never establish a personal friendship with each other.
4. She is somewhat ugly.
5. I think she could be a friend of mine.
6. I would like to have a friendly chat with her.
7. I think she is quite pretty.
8. She would be a poor problem solver.
9. I find her very attractive physically.
10. I don't like the way she looks.
11. She just wouldn't fit into my circle of friends.
12. She is very sexy looking.
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13. I have confidence in her ability to get the job done.
14. If I wanted to get things done, I could probably depend on her.
15. I couldn't get anything accomplished with her.
What according to you makes her look attractive?
PERSON 2
1. Above are 5 photos of the same person, which according to you is the MOST attractive?
2. Above are 5 photos of the same person, which according to you is the LEAST attractive?
From the basis of the most attractive photo that you liked, please answer the following
questions.
Use the following scale and write one number before each statement to indicate your answer.
1= Strongly disagree; 2= Moderately disagree; 3= Slightly disagree; 4= Undecided; 5=
Slightly agree; 6= Moderately agree; 7 = Strongly agree.
1. She is a typical goof-off when assigned a job to do.
2. It would be difficult to meet and talk with her.
3. We could never establish a personal friendship with each other.
4. She is somewhat ugly.
5. I think she could be a friend of mine.
6. I would like to have a friendly chat with her.
7. I think she is quite pretty.
8. She would be a poor problem solver.
9. I find her very attractive physically.
10. I don't like the way she looks.
11. She just wouldn't fit into my circle of friends.
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48
12. She is very sexy looking.
13. I have confidence in her ability to get the job done.
14. If I wanted to get things done, I could probably depend on her.
15. I couldn't get anything accomplished with her.
What according to you makes her look attractive?
PERSON 3
1. Above are 5 photos of the same person, which according to you is the MOST attractive?
2. Above are 5 photos of the same person, which according to you is the LEAST attractive?
From the basis of the most attractive photo that you liked, please answer the following
questions.
Use the following scale and write one number before each statement to indicate your answer.
1= Strongly disagree; 2= Moderately disagree; 3= Slightly disagree; 4= Undecided; 5=
Slightly agree; 6= Moderately agree; 7 = Strongly agree.
1. She is a typical goof-off when assigned a job to do.
2. It would be difficult to meet and talk with her.
3. We could never establish a personal friendship with each other.
4. She is somewhat ugly.
5. I think she could be a friend of mine.
6. I would like to have a friendly chat with her.
7. I think she is quite pretty.
8. She would be a poor problem solver.
9. I find her very attractive physically.
10. I don't like the way she looks.
11. She just wouldn't fit into my circle of friends.
INFLUENCE OF COSMETICS AND NOSE PIERCING ON INTERPERSONAL ATTRACTION
49
12. She is very sexy looking.
13. I have confidence in her ability to get the job done.
14. If I wanted to get things done, I could probably depend on her.
15. I couldn't get anything accomplished with her.
What according to you makes her look attractive?
PERSON 4
1. Above are 5 photos of the same person, which according to you is the MOST attractive?
2. Above are 5 photos of the same person, which according to you is the LEAST attractive?
From the basis of the most attractive photo that you liked, please answer the following
questions.
Use the following scale and write one number before each statement to indicate your answer.
1= Strongly disagree; 2= Moderately disagree; 3= Slightly disagree; 4= Undecided; 5=
Slightly agree; 6= Moderately agree; 7 = Strongly agree.
1. She is a typical goof-off when assigned a job to do.
2. It would be difficult to meet and talk with her.
3. We could never establish a personal friendship with each other.
4. She is somewhat ugly.
5. I think she could be a friend of mine.
6. I would like to have a friendly chat with her.
7. I think she is quite pretty.
8. She would be a poor problem solver.
9. I find her very attractive physically.
10. I don't like the way she looks.
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50
11. She just wouldn't fit into my circle of friends.
12. She is very sexy looking.
13. I have confidence in her ability to get the job done.
14. If I wanted to get things done, I could probably depend on her.
15. I couldn't get anything accomplished with her.
What according to you makes her look attractive?
PERSON 5
1. Above are 5 photos of the same person, which according to you is the MOST attractive?
2. Above are 5 photos of the same person, which according to you is the LEAST attractive?
From the basis of the most attractive photo that you liked, please answer the following
questions.
Use the following scale and write one number before each statement to indicate your answer.
1= Strongly disagree; 2= Moderately disagree; 3= Slightly disagree; 4= Undecided; 5=
Slightly agree; 6= Moderately agree; 7 = Strongly agree.
1. She is a typical goof-off when assigned a job to do.
2. It would be difficult to meet and talk with her.
3. We could never establish a personal friendship with each other.
4. She is somewhat ugly.
5. I think she could be a friend of mine.
6. I would like to have a friendly chat with her.
7. I think she is quite pretty.
8. She would be a poor problem solver.
9. I find her very attractive physically.
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51
10. I don't like the way she looks.
11. She just wouldn't fit into my circle of friends.
12. She is very sexy looking.
13. I have confidence in her ability to get the job done.
14. If I wanted to get things done, I could probably depend on her.
15. I couldn't get anything accomplished with her.
What according to you makes her look attractive?
