Post on 14-May-2023
Running head: BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE 1
Body Modifications, Attractiveness, and Culture
Erin M. Womack
California State University, Northridge
May 5, 2015
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Abstract
Previous research indicates that historically humans will modify
their bodies for various reasons, including cultural and
aesthetic. Participants of this study were male and female
undergraduate college students over the age of eighteen. Subjects
were asked to rate the attractiveness of thirty various
photographs of body modifications from different cultures. They
were then asked to fill out a questionnaire that inquired how
closely they identified with their culture. Results indicate that
identification with race does not influence whether or not body
modifications from their own ethnic background is attractive or
not. Therapists working with patients who have body dysmorphic
disorder may use this research when consulting patients, along
with plastic surgeons who have patients who are looking into body
modifications.
Keywords: body modification, attractiveness, culture, gender,
students
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Body Modifications, Attractiveness, and Culture
Throughout time, human beings have found different ways of
distinguishing themselves from one another. These unique
expressions of individuality, including clothing, jewelry and
even hairstyles, have evolved into forms of art that are
engrained into all of our cultures. A perfect example of this can
be seen in the variations, practice, and views of body
modifications among each culture. As Featherstone (1991) states,
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
the term ‘body modification’ refers to a long list of practices
that include piercing, tattooing, branding, cutting, binding and
inserting implants to alter the appearance and form of the body.
Usually, these practices are permanent alterations that cannot be
undone. Some may even be processes beginning from childhood. In
some instances, body modifications are not considered body
modifications to begin with. For example, would a student who
wears glasses to correct her vision be considered someone with a
modification? Certainly before the advent of glasses, she would
have no choice but to live with non-perfect vision. The
advancement of civilizations has created new ways to enhance our
bodies both aesthetically and functionally.
Although body modifications may have the same face value in
each continent throughout the world, the modification’s meanings
and practices vary drastically from culture to culture. In
Europe, tattooing dates back from Neolithic times, at least six
or seven thousand years ago (Isaacs, 2012). Preserved human
remains found in the Alps showed that simple tattoos were used as
a form of acupuncture (Isaacs, 2012). Tattoos were often equated
to toughness and commitment in the eyes of a sailor, and often
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
these same tattoos indicated glory, honor or at times a trade or
skill (Mallon & Russell, 1999).
Modern body modifications have evolved from symbols of
certain characteristics or traits into more aesthetically
pleasing forms of art. It has become a way to express
individuality and differentiate each other in a clear and visible
way. At the same time, each society has set up boundaries for
what body modifications considered “beautiful.” For example,
mainstream Western civilizations believe breast augmentations,
rhinoplasty, and pretty tattoos to be attractive (Koziel,
Kretschmer, & Pawlowski, 2010). Some individuals within this
culture have actually turned their back on this idea of
“perfect.” Body modifications are becoming more “extreme,” with
modifications such as removing parts of the ear or nose,
tattooing the entire body, shaving teeth into fangs, and even by
implanting steel into the tops of their heads (Rembold, 2014).
The main goal of this research paper is to establish a
connection between preference of body modification and culture.
Will those who strongly identify with their ancestor’s be more
likely to find their culture’s body modifications attractive than
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
those who do not? Does having constant interactions with others
who have body modifications affect views of body modifications
negatively, positively, or not at all?
Methodology
Participants
The participants were 70 female and 39 male undergraduate
students from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) aged
eighteen and above. Each participant was found using CSUN’s Sona
Systems, which is an online portal system where students can
self-sign up to participate in experiments for class credit. The
participants received class credit for participating in this
experiment. Each student was either in rolled in Psychology 150
(Introduction to Psychology) or Psychology 250 (Psychological
Correlates Human Behavior). Both courses are undergraduate
Psychology classes.
Design
To examine the effects of culture toward the attractiveness
of body modifications, a multivariate analyses of covariance
(MANCOVA) was performed. The independent variable, race
(culture), had five different levels: Caucasian, African
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
American, Hispanic, Asian, and Mixed Race. The dependent
variables were the thirty ratings of body modifications from one
(not attractive) to six (extremely attractive). The covariate,
attitudes toward culture, had four levels that answered the
question “How strongly do you identify with your culture?” The
levels were not at all, somewhat, very, and extremely.
Materials
Each participant received a paper questionnaire (see
Appendix C) with inquiries about the respondents age, ethnicity,
gender, background information, and preferences toward body
modifications. A quantitative survey (see Appendix B) allowed
participants to rate how attractive they viewed a variety of body
modifications on a six level scale from “not attractive” to
“extremely attractive”. Stimuli provided to evoke perceptions of
attractiveness were thirty photographs of body modifications that
originated from different cultures within the United States,
Africa, India, and Japan (see Appendix A).
Procedure
Participants self-assigned to one of five timeslots. All
participants revived the same conditions, making this a between-
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
subjects design. The study was conducted in a large classroom
with windows that covered one side, though the blinds were drawn
to block out light. There were a total of twelve rectangular
tables in the room, with two participants to each table. There
were three rows with four tables per row facing toward a sixty-
inch screen. The images were screened through the use of a
projector that was positioned above the participants.
When entering the classroom, each participant was instructed
to sit anywhere they would like. There was a pencil and a piece
of paper lying face down on the table in front of each chair.
Participants were asked not to turn over the piece of paper
(quantitative survey) in front of them. When everyone was seated,
participants were asked to read the consent form (see Appendix E)
that was projected onto the screen. They were then told to turn
over their paper and were asked to rate the images that were
about to be displayed from one to six. They were given notice
that the images would go by very quickly. Each image was
displayed for five seconds before moving on to the next one.
After all of the images were projected, the researchers gave each
participant a questionnaire. Each participant had ten minutes to
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
complete the questionnaire. After the questionnaire was
completed, the researchers debriefed the participants.
Participants were also sent a debrief (see Appendix D) via Sona
Systems, and were given class credit that night.
Results
This study was examined using multivariate analyses of
covariance (MANCOVA). MANCOVA was conducted to determine whether
there was a significant difference in body modification
attractiveness ratings based on culture, while using the
covariate of the degree to which people identify with their own
culture. Identification with one’s own culture did not influence
ratings of modifications from their own culture, F(4,104)=1.10,
p>.05. Race did significantly affect attractiveness ratings,
F(104)=1.33, p<.05. Pairwise comparisons are illustrated here.
All insignificant data will no longer be discussed. In terms of
ratings on American Veneers, Mixed versus Caucasian (p=.001),
African American (p=.003), Asian (p=.004), and Hispanic (p=0)
were all significant. Therefore, the null hypothesis can be
rejected for these. These results were also seen in American Nose
Studs (Hispanic vs. Mixed, p=.047), Thai Neck Rings (African
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
American vs. Asian, p=.044), Asian Breast Implants (Caucasian vs.
Asian, p=.012), and Caucasian American Braces (Caucasian vs.
Mixed Race, p=.045). All other significant results can be found
in Table 1.
Discussion
The improvement of physical attractiveness through body
modifications, such as tattooing and scarification, is evident in
a wide range of cultures and has recently become very prominent
in Westernized societies (Wohlrab, Fink, & Brewer, 2009). There
were no significant results between culture, ratings of
attractiveness toward body modifications from said culture, and
ratings of identification with said background. Our hypothesis
was that there is a connection between perceived attractiveness
of body modifications and culture.
Limitations
Future research can build upon this study in at least four
ways. This study should be replicated with a larger and more
diverse sample size. In this study, there were a total of six
African American participants while there were fifty-nine
Hispanic participants. This extreme imbalance of races severely
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
skewed results. Researchers may want to consider having least
twenty participants per race. Ideally, there would be fifty
participants or all races. Researchers also must add filler
questions on the questionnaires given to participants that
inquired about their demographics and body modification
preferences. The questionnaire in this study asked too many
questions about body modifications, which let the participant
know what the study was vaguely about. Additional studies must
also counterbalance the stimuli. This study only had one
variation of images displayed to participants. Participants’
attitudes may have been affected following American cultural body
modifications compared to others. Studies may also consider using
photographs of cultural body modifications that they have been
exposed to daily, rather than modifications they have never been
exposed to. Experiments can avoid having a ceiling effect such as
in this study.
Implications
This study can be implemented into society through two main
ways. Therapists who are working with patients who have body
dysmorphic disorder may use this research to help clients.
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Considering that most who have body image issues result to body
modifications to achieve what society says as perfect or achieve
their own ideals of perfect, research like this can help
therapists understand underlying motivations behind body
modifications. This may also lead to cultural awareness for body
modifications. At the same time, plastic surgeons can put these
results to use for patients who are considering culturally
“extreme” body modifications. They will be able to recognize
societal influences behind body modifications and help their
patient know the limitations of body modifications.
Conclusions
There were no significant results found in the means graph,
but the ratings reflected values and perceptions that are common
in America. A majority of the participants were born and raised
in America. The chart was skewed toward the left toward body
modifications that were foreign to the participants. As noted
before, low ratings were toward the left while high ratings were
toward the right of the graph. Ratings of body modifications that
were rated highly were all common in American culture (such as
breast augmentations of all cultures, veneers, and nose studs)
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
while body modifications that were rated low all came from other
cultures (such as African scarification and lip gauges). The
findings show that preference toward body modifications depends
on the societal culture surrounding each person, rather than
cultural values exposed to at home.
References
Featherstone, M. (1999). Body modification: An introduction. Body
& Society, 5(2-3), 1-13.
Isaacs, D. (2012). Tattoos. Journal Of Paediatrics & Child Health, 48(12),
1051-1052.
doi:10.1111/jpc.12007
Koziel, S., Kretschmer, W., & Pawlowski, B. (2010). Tattoo and
piercing as signals of biological
quality. Evolution And Human Behavior, 31(3), 187-192.
doi:10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2009.09.009
Mallon, W., & Russell, M. (1999). Clinical and forensic
significance of tattoos. Topics In
Emergency Medicine, 21(3), 21-29.
Rembold, S. S. (2014). 'Human Enhancement'? It's all About 'Body
Modification'! Why We
13
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Should Replace the Term 'Human Enhancement' with 'Body
Modification'. Nanoethics, 8(3), 307-315.
Wohlrab, S., Fink, B., Kappeler, P. M., & Brewer, G. (2009).
Perception of human body
modification. Personality And Individual Differences, 46(2), 202-206.
doi:10.1016/j.paid.2008.09.031
Figure Captions
Figure 1. Body modification mean ratings by race (culture).
Figure 2. Body modification mean ratings by race (culture).
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Caucasian American Ve
neers
Caucasian American No
se Pi
ercing
Caucasian American To
ngue
Divisio
n
Indian N
ose Pie
rcing
Caucasian American Li
p Gua
ge
Caucasia
n Ameri
can 3D
Leg Tattoo
Indian Henna Hand Tat
too
Caucasian American No
se St
ud
Caucasian American Ea
r Gua
ge
Caucasian African Too
th Sh
arpenin
g
Caucasia
n Ameri
can Fem
ale to Male Transsexual
Japanese 3D Tattoo
Hispanic
Americ
an Brea
st Impants
Caucasia
n Ameri
can Bod
y Corset
African Lip Plate
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
White Black, African AmericanAsian HispanicMixed Race Total
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
American Veneers
American Tongue Division
American Lip Guage
Indian Henna Hand Tattoo
American Ear Guage
American Testosterone
Hispanic Breast Implants
African Lip Plate
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.004.072.071.262.67
1.152.191.852.701.191.522.562.222.633.423.333.382.112.152.003.043.191.891.443.223.852.221.851.811.111.70
3.502.001.17 2.831.17 3.171.833.001.171.671.33
1.333.333.333.673.831.502.001.833.50
2.831.331.00 3.173.671.831.672.601.001.17
3.463.001.77 3.081.85 2.382.38 2.501.922.082.772.15 3.233.46
2.923.541.692.922.38 3.462.231.461.75 3.003.232.152.382.69
1.772.00
3.682.271.66 2.691.58 2.811.98 2.571.281.502.602.70 3.303.43
3.033.701.98 2.31
1.95 3.492.771.661.59 3.333.702.722.081.83
1.201.73
1.672.001.67 2.672.33 3.672.00 3.331.001.672.332.67 3.003.67
5.335.331.67 2.673.00 4.002.671.001.33 4.33 4.67
3.331.671.671.331.33
3.692.281.54 2.741.50 2.651.99 2.641.32 1.59 2.532.44 3.12 3.433.193.661.94 2.332.04 3.392.811.661.53 3.28 3.712.502.031.96
1.241.71
White Black, African American AsianHispanic Mixed Race Total
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Table 1
Significant Datum
Modification CulturesP
valueAmerican Veneers Mixed vs. White 0.001
Mixed vs. AfricanAmerican 0.003
Mixed vs. Asian 0.004Mixed vs. Hispanic 0
African Ear GuageAsians vs. African
American 0.028Asians vs. Hispanics 0.018
African Ear Plate Asian vs. Hispanic 0.048
American Ear GuageCaucasian vs. African
American 0.025
African Lip Plate Asians vs. Caucasian 0.014Asians vs. African
American 0.023Asians vs. Hispanic 0
American Braces Caucasian vs. Mixed 0.045
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Indian Nose PiercingAfrican American vs.
Asian 0.044Hispanic vs. Asian 0.049
American Nose Stud Hispanic vs. Mixed 0.047
American Arm Tattoo Caucasian vs. Mixed 0.039
Hispanic Arm Tattoo Hispanic vs. Asian 0.048
American Leg TattooCaucasian vs. African
American 0.023Asian vs. African
American 0.031Hispanics vs. African
American 0.04
AmericanScarification
African American vs.Hispanics 0.022
Indian Tattoo Asian vs. Caucasian 0.047
Thai Neck RingsAfrican Americans vs.
Asian 0.044
African ToothSharpening Mixed vs. White 0.05
Mixed vs. AfricanAmerican 0.032
Mixed vs. Hispanic 0.024
Female to MaleTranssexual
Caucasian vs. AfricanAmerican 0.003
Caucasian vs. Asian 0Caucasian vs.
Hispanics 0Caucasian vs. Mixed 0.024
Asian Breast Implants Caucasian vs. Asians 0.012
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Hispanic BreastImplants Asians vs. Caucasian 0.005
Asians vs. AfricanAmerican 0.044
Asians vs. Hispanic 0.023
Appendix A
Photographic stimuli
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Caucasian American Veneers
Retrieved from
http://forums.thefashionspot.c
om/f50/hilary-duff-april-2004-
june-2009-a-11475-74.html
African Ear Guage
Retrieved from
http://baklol.com/baks/misc/Bo
dy-Modification-Implants-_260
Caucasian American Nose
Piercing
Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N
ose_piercing
Caucasian American Neck Rings
Retrieved from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
20
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
2014/03/18/giraffe-
woman_n_4980322.html
Caucasian American Tongue
Division
Retrieved from
http://buttters.deviantart.com
/art/Tongue-split-405986631
Caucasian American Braces
Retrieved from
http://smilepoint.com.sg/brace
s/
Indian Nose Piercing
Retrieved from
http://www.gaylaxymag.com/arti
21
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
cles/lifestyle/fashion-trends-
facial-piercings/
Mexican American Dragon Arm
Tattoo
Retrieved from
http://imgkid.com/chinese-
dragon-tattoo-sleeve.shtml
Caucasian American Lip Gauge
Retrieved from
http://kwekudee-
tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.co
m/2013/02/karo-people-
ethiopias-indigenous-
tribe.html
22
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Caucasian American Plastic
Surgery Retrieved from
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/fem
ail/article-2272066/Real-life-
Barbie-Ken-Valeria-Lukyanova-
Justin-Jedlica-meet-hate-
sight-other.html
Caucasian American 3D Leg
Tattoo
Retrieved from
http://www.bizarbin.com/3d-
tattoos/
Caucaisan American
Scarification
Retrieved from
https://zendevildiaries.wordpr
ess.com/category/scarification
-body-modification-portfolio/
page/20/
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Indian Henna Hand Tattoo
Retrieved from
http://silknstone.com/About-
Henna.html
African American Male to
Female Transexual
Retrieved from
http://pagesix.com/2014/06/19/
oitnb-star-laverne-cox-
prefers-jewish-men/
Caucasian American Nose Stud
Retrieved from
https://www.etsy.com/listing/8
6319166/nose-ring-stud-
sterling-silver-2mm-ball?
ref=market
Caucasian American Breast
Implants
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Retrieved from
http://www.bestcelebritypic.tk
/jenny-mccarthy-
2/1371494387_jenny-mccarthy-
zoom/
Caucasian American Ear Gauge
Retrieved from
http://wgecho.org/2011/02/28/p
iercings-grow-in-popularity/
Thai Neck Rings
Retrieved from
https://www.flickr.com/photos/
flower_bee/5622290753/
African Tooth Sharpening
Retrieved from
https://www.flickr.com/photos/
adritzz/122825011/
25
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
African American Breast
Implants
Retrieved from
http://forum.blackhairmedia.co
m/tamala-jones-regrets-her-
implants_topic201320.html
Caucasian American Female to
Male Transexual
Retrieved from
http://www.examiner.com/articl
e/exclusive-interview-with-
stand-up-comedian-ian-harvie-
playing-zanies-thru-sept-13
Caucaisan American Ear Guage
Retrieved from
http://lasdemoniacas.blogspot.
com/2010/04/body-
modification.html
26
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Japanese 3D Leg Tattoo
Retrieved from
http://www.bizarbin.com/3d-
tattoos/
Asian American Breast Implants
Retrieved from
http://www.examiner.com/articl
e/is-tila-tequila-allergic-to-
alcohol
Hispanic American Breast
Implants
Retrieved from
http://ifreepress.com/entertai
nment/has-glee-star-naya-
rivera-been-fired
27
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Hispanic American Arm Tattoo
Retrieved from
http://slodive.com/wp-
content/uploads/2012/05/hispan
ic-tattoo/sugar-skull-
tattoo.jpg
Caucasian American Body Corset
Retrieved from
http://www.artcrimearchive.org
/article?id=93002
African Ear Plate
Retrieved from
http://mybigblackgymbag.tumblr
.com/image/65337958213
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
African Lip Plate
Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M
ursi_people
African Scarification
Retrieved from
http://kwekudee-
tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.co
m/2013/02/karo-people-
ethiopias-indigenous-
tribe.html
29
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Appendix B
Body modification ratings form
Ratings
30
Not Attractive
Attractive
Extremely Attractive
1 2 3 4 5 6123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Appendix C
Quantitative questionnaire
Body Modifications and Attractiveness Questionnaire
Please check off your…1. Age
o 18-20
o 21-24
o 25-28
o 29-32
o 33 and above2. Are you body modified? (ex. piercings, tattoos, cosmetic
surgery, etc.)
o No
o Yes3. If yes, what have you done and what are your reasons for
doing so?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Is someone you know personally body modified? If so, please specify.
o No
o Yes. _______________________________________________5. Would you consider being in a romantic relationship with
someone who has body modifications?
o No
o Yes6. How strongly do you identify with your culture?
o Not at all
o Somewhat
o Very
o Extremely7. Which best describes the number of tattoos you currently
have?
o 0
o 1-4
o 5-10
o over 108. Sex
o Male
o Female9. Gender
o Masculine
o Feminine
o Other (Please Specify): _______________
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
10. Are any of your current tattoos in visible places (ex. hands, face, neck, arms)?
o Yes
o No
o Sometimes, but can be covered
o Does not apply to me11. Where were you born?
o Please specify (city, state, country): ___________________
12. How many piercings or other body modifications (gauges,dermal anchors, ect) do you have?
o 0
o 1-4
o 5-10
o over 1013. Sona Number
o (Please Specify): __________________14. Are any of your body piercings or body modifications
visible (eyebrow, nose, lip) excluding ears?
o Yes
o No
o Sometimes, but I can temporarily remove them
o Does not apply to me15. Do you consider plastic surgery a body modification?
o No
o Yes16. Does the location of a tattoo make a difference on
whether you might find someone attractive? (ex. a tattoo on
33
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
the small of the back vs. the arm)
o No
o Yes17. If the body modification is a painful process (such as
branding of the skin or cutting pieces of the skin off in order to create scars), would that be a factor of influencing your decision for receiving that modification?
o No
o Yes18. Where did you spend the majority of your childhood?
o Please specify (city, state, country): ___________________
19. How long did you reside there?
o ___________ years20. Are there any body modifications that you find to be
extreme? If so, which of the below.
o No
o Yes
o Tattooing
o Piercing
o Male circumcision
o Female circumcision
o Branding
o Cutting
o Gauges
o Plastic surgery
o Tongue splitting
o Amputations
o Corseting/waist training
o Elf ears
o Veneers
o Tooth sharpening
o Dental braces
o Tanning
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
o Implants (eye,
subdermal, magnetic, ect.)
o Other (please specify): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
21. What is your race?
o White
o Black, African American
o American Indian or Alaska Native
o Asian Indian
o Chinese
o Filipino
o Japanese
o Korean
o Vietnamese
o Native Hawaiian
o Samoan
o Another race (pleasespecify): ________________________________________________
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
22. What do you believe is the main reason why people modify their body? (please choose one)
o Cultural/traditional reasons
o Aesthetic reasons (ex. the design is pretty)
o Peer pressure
o Musical subcultures (ex. ska, punk rock, metal)
o To enhance their appearance
o Other (please specify): ________________________________________________________________________________________
23. Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
o No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
o Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano
o Yes, Puerto Rican
o Yes, Cuban
o Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin (Please Specify): __________________
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BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
Appendix D
Debrief
Body Modification, Attractiveness, and Culture
California State University, Northridge
DEBRIEFThis research was conducted to examine the effect of whether the
general population find others who are body modified attractive
or not, and to what degree. A major goal of this experiment is to
discover whether cultural awareness of any one’s own cultures
body modifications or their awareness of other cultures body
modifications influenced their opinions. Our third goal is to
determine whether males or females prefer body modification(s)
and to what extent before it passes into the extreme. Past
research suggests body modifications are becoming very popular
throughout many cultures. The improvement of physical
37
BODY MODIFICATIONS, ATTRACTIVENESS, AND CULTURE
attractiveness through body modifications, such as tattooing and
scarification, is evident in a wide range of cultures and has
recently become very prominent in Westernized societies (Wohlrab,
Fink, & Brewer, 2009). The purpose of this research is to
investigate beyond the popularity of body modification(s) into
what other factors go into why people believe what is attractive
or not attractive. The present study controlled possible
confounds by showing participants pictures of body modifications
with moderate degrees of intensity from various cultures. We used
deception by not labeling each image with regards to which
culture it represented.
Thank you for participating in this experiment.
If you are interested in areas of this research, the following
source can be found in the library:
REFERENCE
Wohlrab, S., Fink, B., Kappeler, P. M., & Brewer, G. (2009).
Perception of human body
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