EvoS Journal: The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium
Volume 11, Special Issue 1, 2019
Title
The Influence of Self-Perceptions of Attractiveness on Substance Use: Sex Differences in Predictors of Alcohol Consumption in College Students
Author(s)
Brenman, A., & Wade, T. J.
Abstract
Prior research demonstrates the negative relationship between self-esteem and alcohol use (Emery, 1993; Page, 1995; Winter, 2017), and prior research demonstrates how self-perceptions of attractiveness are fundamentally important (Barkow 1978; Wade, 2000, 2003). However, there is a paucity of research regarding exactly how self-perceptions of attractiveness, and mate value, which are related to self-esteem (Wade, Thompson, Tashakkori, Thompson, & Valente 1989; Tashakkori, Thompson, Wade, & Valente, 1990; Wade, 2000, 2003), influence alcohol consumption habits in college men and women. Using undergraduates, (66.4% female, 83.4% Caucasian), the present study examined how self-perceived attractiveness, self-esteem, mate value, sociosexuality, and sex of participant affect alcohol consumption. Lower self-perceptions of attractiveness, and mate value were hypothesized to be associated with increased alcohol use, particularly among women. The results were partially consistent with the hypothesis. A sex difference occurred such that self-perceived mate value was a significant positive predictor of alcohol consumption for women only. Additionally, self-perceived physical attractiveness was a significant negative predictor of alcohol consumption for men, while self-perceived sexual attractiveness was a significant positive predictor for men. Sociosexuality was a significant positive predictor for both sexes. These findings are discussed in terms of prior research.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59077/JZNM2555
How to cite this article:
Brenman, A., & Wade, T. J. (2020). The influence of self-perceptions of attractiveness on substance use: Sex differences in predictors of alcohol consumption in college students. The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium, 11, Sp. Iss. (1), 1-14.
