First Impressions of Female Bust Size

Abstract

Four experiments studied first impressions of female bust size. Ss (135 males, 135 females) in Experiment 1 rated female stimulus persons from written descriptions characterizing them as having either small, medium, or large bust sizes. Ss in Experiment 2 (52 males, 56 females), Experiment 3 (50 males, 42 females), and Experiment 4 (45 males, 43 females) rated color photographs of female stimulus persons who were made up to simulate small, medium, and large bust sizes. Factor analysis showed that stimulus persons were rated on dimensions of (a) liking and personal appeal, (b) boldness and dominance, and (c) competence, intelligence, morality, and modesty. Ss in Experiment 1 gave significantly more favorable ratings on liking and personal appeal to stimulus persons with medium rather than small or large bust sizes. These results correspond closely with male and female ratings of female silhouette figures found in previous studies. Ss in Experiments 2, 3, and 4 did not differentially evaluate stimulus persons on liking and personal appeal, possibly because photographs provide additional information influencing ratings of liking which may override the effects of bust size. A consistent finding in all four experiments was that stimulus persons with large bust sizes were evaluated as being relatively unintelligent, incompetent, immoral, and immodest; those with small bust sizes were evaluated as being most intelligent, competent, modest, and moral.