Impression Formation: Body Type and Clothing

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Impression Formation Body Type and Clothing
Andrea Schenkoske, Heather Klein, Lindsey Freeman
Regan A.R. Gurung University of Wisconsin Green
Bay
Does wearing tighter/looser (red/blue) clothes
change the way others perceive smaller women?
ABSTRACT
RESULTS DISCUSSION
Are larger women (blue) in tight clothes
perceived differently than smaller women (red)
in tight clothes?
This study we tested how clothing fit and body
type change peoples perceptions. Participants
looked at pictures of models and rated them on a
variety of factors (e.g., attractiveness).
Results showed that perceptions varied by
clothing fit and body size. We found evidence of
size stereotyping that was somewhat offset by
clothing fit.
Paired sample t-tests showed significant
differences between groups. As seen in the
adjoining figures, there were significant
differences in perceptions based on clothing fit
and size of models. Both body size and the fit of
our clothing indeed change what others think of
us. Smaller women were viewed more positively in
tight clothing verses loose, except on the
categories of nurturing and trust. Similarly,
larger women were viewed more negatively in tight
clothes than smaller women in every category.
When we compared larger women in loose clothes
and smaller women in tight clothes, we still saw
the same pattern of differences. Smaller women,
regardless of what they are wearing, are viewed
in a better light than larger women. Our
results suggest a obese stereotype still exists
in our society counter to resent research
suggests Americans are more accepting of the
obese. The media constantly reminds us that thin
is better with advertisements featuring rail thin
models and the newest and best diet pills. We
are bombarded with new fashion designs suggesting
what we should look like in order to be
considered popular or stylish. How can we adjust
our perceptions of others? Simply by being aware
of our habits when making social judgment may
help. We need to be able to think critically
when encountering others and not give in to
automatic thought processes.
INTRODUCTION
Social perceptions play a large role in everyday
life. We speculate about peoples personalities
simply based on what they look like. We make
judgments of others quickly and unconsciously.
We form a variety of impressions from non-verbal
cues such as weight, height, hairstyle, and dress
(Eagly et al., 1991). The way we look is the
first aspect of ourselves that others see. It
seems only natural that we form judgments based
on these seemingly superficial qualities.
Clothing can be a very important part of who we
are. Many of us wear specific clothes in order
to express our individuality, or to highlight our
better features while concealing others. We also
have many stereotypes and schemas that drive
perceptions. Many individuals believe larger
individuals have significantly different
personalities that smaller individuals. Can
these stereotypes be influenced by the fit of
clothing?
Health Attractive Flirtatious Nurturing Esteem
Social Sexual Trust Cheat Intimate Approach
Are smaller women in tight clothes perceived the
same as larger women in loose clothes?
METHOD
This study had 4 conditions and used a 2
Tight/Loose clothing by 2 Low(20-22)/High(30-32)
BMI within subjects design. Participants rated
pictures of four women on the attributes of
health, attractiveness, intelligence,
youthfulness, trustworthiness, fecundity,
flirtatiousness, ability to nurture, self-esteem,
sociability, sexual experience, quality of
intimate relationships, likelihood to cheat, and
frequency of romantic proposals. Targets were
dressed as shown in the pictures above.