Value Orientations as Predictors of the Importance of Physical Attractiveness in Friendships and Romantic Relationships

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction. The analysis of factors increasing/decreasing the importance of physical attractiveness (PA) has reinforced the need to study value-oriented predictors. This study aims to determine the hierarchy of intensities of the impact of value orientations (VOs) on the levels of importance of PA in interpersonal relationships – friendships and romantic relationships. This paper represents a first attempt to examine the value-orientation regulation of different levels of importance of PA. The following hypotheses were tested: Hypothesis 1: There are gender and age-related differences in the levels of importance of PA (Mann–Whitney criterion). Hypothesis 2: There is the hierarchy of intensities of the impact of VOs on the level of importance of PA in different types of interpersonal relationships (multiple regression analysis). Methods. The study used the following assessment tools: (a) the questionnaire for Diagnosing the Importance of PA in Various Spheres of Life (V. A. Labunskaya, G. V. Serikov); (b) a modified version of the questionnaire by S. S. Bubnova for Diagnosing the Real Structure of Personal VOs. Russian sample comprised 172 individual participants (aged 18–25 years, M = 20.1) falling into the following subgroups: a) 18–20 year olds (n = 113, 57 % males) and b) 21–25 year olds (n = 59, 36 males). Results. As men move into the age group of 21–25 year olds, the importance of PA for romantic relationships increases significantly. Women demonstrate a level of importance of PA regardless of the type of interpersonal relationships. The study revealed the following hierarchy of intensities of the impact of VOs on the importance of PA: 1) VOs toward recognition, respect, and exerting influence over others; VO toward PA; 2) VOs toward social activity, high social status, and managing others; 3) VO toward material well-being; and VO toward seeking beauty and enjoying it. Discussion. The comparative and hierarchical analysis of the impact of VOs on the importance of PA in interpersonal relationships is without parallel in the psychology of physical appearance. The study provides new insights into the impact of VOs, levels of importance of PA, and types of interpersonal relationships.

Keywords

• predictors
• impact intensity
• hierarchy
• physical attractiveness
• value orientations
• importance level
• interpersonal relationships
• romantic relationships
• friendships
• attractive appearance
• gender
• age