Factors That Influence Perceptions of Personal Characteristics
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Abisola Abebefe
College:
College of Liberal Arts
Major:
Psychology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Verneda Hamm-Baugh
Abstract:
The present studies were conducted to examine the impact of weight loss on perceptions of personal characteristics. In experiment one, 44 participants viewed an image of a Black woman either with a larger body type or a smaller body type. It was hypothesized that those who were presented with the photo of the woman with a “before” weight loss (larger) body type will rate her as having lower levels of confidence, extraversion, likability, and health compared to the people who have the other photo of the “after” weight loss (smaller) body type. The hypothesis was not confirmed. The woman was rated as less approachable and slightly less likable in her after-weight loss picture. There were no significant differences found in confidence, extraversion, or health. In experiment two, 286 participants viewed an image of a White man either with a larger body type or a smaller body type. It was hypothesized that those who were presented with a photo of the man with a “before” weight loss (larger) body type will rate him as having lower levels of confidence, extraversion, likability, and health compared to those presented with a photo of the man “after” weight loss (smaller) body type. The hypothesis was partially confirmed. The man was rated as more extraverted, confident, and healthy in his after-weight loss picture. There were no significant differences found in the characteristics of approachability or likability. These findings suggest that factors like body size can play a role in perceptions of certain personal characteristics. Factors influencing differences in findings between the Black woman and White man are discussed.