Perceptions of Male Ideals: The Power of Presentation

Abstract

Two studies examined the perceptions that men have of images of male ideals as a function of whether appearance or performance was emphasized. In Study 1 (N = 54 men) male ideals that stressed appearance were rated as more muscular, more masculine and more attractive than male ideals that stressed performance. In Study 2 (N = 62 men) differences in the presentation of male ideals contributed not only to differences in perceptions of physical attributes but also to judgments of personality and behavioural tendencies of male ideals. In addition to discussing the implications and limitations of the current investigation, avenues for future research are outlined.