An analysis of body shape attractiveness based on image statistics: evidence for a dissociation between expressions of preference and shape discrimination

Smith, K. L., Tovee, M. J., Hancock, P .J. B. , Bateson, M., Cox, M. A. A. and Cornelissen, P. L. (2007) An analysis of body shape attractiveness based on image statistics: evidence for a dissociation between expressions of preference and shape discrimination. Visual Cognition, 15 (8). pp. 927-953. ISSN 1350-6285

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Abstract

We develop an image-driven approach to the question of what makes the shape of a woman's body attractive. We constructed a set of 625 images of female bodies by factorially recombining four independent descriptors of shape derived from a principal components analysis of the variation in natural body shape, and had observers rate these images for attractiveness. We then modelled observers' attractiveness ratings with polynomial multiple regression, using the same shape descriptors as explanatory variables. The resulting model agrees well with existing models based on simple anthropometric indices of shape; however, some interesting new findings emerge. There was considerable variation in the shape of bodies that were judged to be equally attractive. Further experiments confirmed that observers could detect these subtle variations in shape suggesting a dissociation between attractiveness judgement and shape discrimination.

Keywords:BMI, WHR, waveform analysis, attractiveness, shape discrimination
Subjects:C Biological Sciences > C800 Psychology
C Biological Sciences > C850 Cognitive Psychology
C Biological Sciences > C830 Experimental Psychology
C Biological Sciences > C841 Health Psychology
C Biological Sciences > C840 Clinical Psychology
Divisions:College of Social Science
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ID Code:24444
Deposited On:05 Aug 2017 21:19

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