Impression formation as a function of male baldness

Percept Mot Skills. 1998 Feb;86(1):347-50. doi: 10.2466/pms.1998.86.1.347.

Abstract

A computer-morphing procedure was used to produce a "full cranial hair" photograph for comparisons of perceptions by 96 undergraduates of a photograph of a naturally bald 30-yr.-old man on 13 dependent measures derived from 30 semantic differential scales. Analysis showed the full-hair condition was rated significantly more dominant, dynamic, and masculine than the bald condition. While the model was also perceived as younger in the full-hair condition, there was no difference in mean ratings of attractiveness between photographs.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alopecia / psychology*
  • Esthetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Photography
  • Semantic Differential
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Dominance
  • Social Perception*