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Perceived Attractiveness and Attributions of Criminality: What Is Beautiful Is Not Criminal

NCJ Number
112343
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1988) Pages: 251-259
Author(s)
M Saladin; Z Saper; L Breen
Date Published
1988
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Stereotypes for various racial, ethnic and institutionalized groups have been documented by numerous researchers.
Abstract
Few studies, however, have explored stereotypes for criminal deviance. The present study examined the relationship between facial stereotypes of criminal deviants and physical attractiveness. A total of 98 subjects (64 males and 34 females) participated in the production and rating of photographs for physical attractiveness and the subsequent use of these photographs in establishing stereotypes for murder and armed robbery. The results indicated that subjects rated unattractive individuals as more likely to commit murder and armed robbery than attractive individuals. The results are interpreted with respect to current literature on physical attractiveness and forensic psychology. (Author abstract)