If you look good, you also feel good: Study

The study, jointly conducted by researchers from the University of Georgia and the University of Kansas, also established that the social environment in which one lives is also responsible for the role that attractiveness plays on one’s social life.

For the purpose of the study, the researchers conducted a survey amongst the mid-life women in the U.S.

They collated data pertaining to their happiness, social activity and their body attractiveness. The study assessed the body attractiveness through a calculation based on the waist-to-hip ratio.

Rural urban divide
The study reveals that the importance of attractiveness is not universal. It varies from region to region and there is a rural-urban differentiation to it as well.

Charisma and good looks do have a major impact in the more socially active urban areas. However, these aspects are not too relevant in the rural areas, claims the study.

Lead researcher of the study, Dr. Victoria C. Plaut of the University of Georgia claimed, “In the field of psychology, research results are generally seen as having a natural and universal applicability. This research suggests that this is far from being the case.” said lead researcher Dr. Victoria C. Plaut.

“Rather, the importance of attractiveness varies with certain socio-cultural environments, and, if you think about it, urban environments are actually a relatively recent addition to human life,” added Plaut.

In urban areas, the incidence of level of social choice is high. Associating with a gorgeous person is definitely high on the priority list in such areas.

It’s a free market of relationships in the urban areas and therefore attractiveness becomes vital for bagging social connections and, as a result, feeling good.

"City women who were the most attractive got a lot of bang for their appearance buck," states Plaut.

On the other hand, in rural areas, relationships thrive primarily on the basis of people living in the same community. In other words, it’s less about personal choice in these areas.

The findings of the study have been published in the December issue of Personal Relationships.