Physical Appearance Cues and Interpersonal Attraction in Children

KLECK, ROBERT E.; RICHARDSON, STEPHEN A.; and RONALD, LINDA. Physical Appearance Cues and Interpersonal Attraction in Children. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1974, 45, 305-310. 2 studies are reported which demonstrate a positive relationship between the sociometric status of 9-14year-old boys after 2 weeks of intense social interaction and social acceptance judged from photographs by an independent group of age peers. Study 2 provides data suggesting that high sociometric status measured subsequent to interaction and also as judged on the basis of photographs alone is associated with physical attractiveness. The cues used in making these judgments are examined, and the need for behavioral comparisons between attractive and unattractive children is stressed.