Self-Estimated Attractiveness: Demographic and Personality Correlates

This paper examines psychological correlates of self-assessed physical attractiveness (SAPA) across two studies. It tests ideas from evolutionary theory, namely that SAPA is related to a number of demographic, ideological, and personality variables that are status-signaling mechanisms related to success in the workplace. Participants rated their attractiveness on a 0–100 scale and completed measures of demographics, ideology, optimism, and six workplace personality traits (High Potential Trait Indicator). Study 1 ( N = 799) included a Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Compliance-based behavioral style assessment (DISC), whereas Study 2 ( N = 292) incorporated a measure of cognitive ability (General Intelligence Assessment). Across both samples, higher self-rated attractiveness was associated with being male, holding a university degree, greater optimism, and trait emotional adjustment. Additionally, self-assessed attractiveness was associated with being more religious, liberal political orientation, tolerance for ambiguity, and competitiveness in Study 1 but not in Study 2. Cognitive ability showed a small negative association with SAPA, while behavioral style contributed negligible incremental explanatory value. The relevance of SAPA is discussed in terms of evolutionary advantages alongside limitations and future recommendations.