Five-factor personality correlates of perceptions of women's body sizes

Abstract

This study examined the association between observers’ personalities and body size perceptions. In total, 1119 participants from an international sample completed a five-factor personality inventory and the female Photographic Figure Rating Scale (PFRS). Results showed that Openness to Experience was correlated with the idealisation of a heavier body size among women, as well as the perception of a wider range of body sizes as attractive among both women and men. In addition, Agreeableness was associated with the perception of a wider range of body sizes as attractive among men. Personality factors explained only a small proportion of the variance in body size perceptions, although present results were consistent with a previous proposal on the role played by observers' personalities in attractiveness judgements.