The Effect of Perceived Smoking Status on Attractiveness

The anti-smoking campaign appears to influence attitudes toward smokers but previous research suggests the effect is restricted to nonsmokers. Psychological attractiveness findings predict that smokers would find other smokers attractive while nonsmokers would prefer nonsmokers. The present study tested smoker and nonsmoker attitudes toward smoking and nonsmoking targets. As predicted, smokers preferred smokers and nonsmokers preferred nonsmokers, although smokers in general were rated less attractive. Physical attractiveness ratings were not influenced by status.