Physical Attractiveness and Popularity: A Predictive Study

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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to identify physical attractiveness as a causal antecedent to sociometric choice in kindergarten children. This required an assessment of attractiveness, unbiased by prior friendship among peers. Nominations of physical attractiveness were elicited from 48 kindergarten children and from their mothers in the family homes prior to the beginning of the school year and so prior to social interaction among peers. Social status was assessed after 5 wk. of social interaction in the kindergarten. Physical attractiveness nominations by girls were highly correlated with popularity for girls but not for boys. Attractiveness ratings by mothers of girls were highly correlated with popularity but there was no relationship for mothers of boys.