I've come across a lot of studies on different facets of human behavior in my work as a licensed substance abuse counselor. One such investigation looks at the connection between physical attractiveness and altruistic behavior and was released in Evolution and Human Behavior. Previous studies have demonstrated that attractive individuals profit in a variety of ways, including improved relationships, social results, and mental health. This has given rise to the widely accepted notion that attractive people are typically more intelligent, well-adjusted, and mentally healthy. The "what is beautiful is virtuous" theory is the name given to this viewpoint. It also implies that those who possess attractiveness are more likely to act in a selfless and charitable way.
A different perspective is put forth by the evolutionary hypothesis of attractiveness. This theory holds that being attractive is linked to selfishness, possibly as a result of a feeling of entitlement and the conviction that one deserves special treatment. Attractive people can feel entitled to superior treatment because they have more negotiating power in relationships. This sense of entitlement is frequently ingrained and encourages more self-centered actions.
To investigate this theory, Teng et al. conducted five studies to explore whether self-perceived attractiveness is associated with greater self-interested or selfless behavior. The results of these studies suggest that attractive people are more likely to behave in a self-interested manner. They pursue self-enhancement, are self-important and egotistical, and use social opportunities for their own benefit, regardless of whether doing so comes at a cost to others. The findings suggest that the evolutionary theory of attractiveness is more plausible than the "what is beautiful is good" theory.
Self-perceived attractiveness was found to predict selfish intentions and behaviors, particularly when the act was not public and could not damage the person's reputation. This behavior was mediated by a sense of entitlement, which is often higher among attractive people. In short, the more attractive a person is, the more likely they are to take special treatment for granted and behave in a narcissistic and inconsiderate manner.
As a substance abuse counselor, I often see individuals struggling with issues related to self-esteem, entitlement, and narcissism. This study highlights the importance of addressing these underlying issues in treatment. It's crucial to recognize that physical attractiveness doesn't necessarily equate to psychological health or positive behavior. In fact, the pursuit of beauty can often lead to harmful behaviors, including substance abuse and addiction.
In summary, this study suggests that beautiful people are more likely to behave selfishly and take special treatment for granted. As a substance abuse counselor, it's essential to address these issues in treatment and help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and behaviors.
What is beautiful is good… or is it narcissistic?
- Overall, the results agree with prior findings that suggest that relative to less attractive people, good-looking individuals
- Strongly pursue self-enhancement.
- Are self-important and egotistical.
- They think they belong to privileged social classes.
- Use social opportunities for their own benefit, regardless of whether doing so comes at a cost to others.
Hence, the analysis of data supported the evolutionary view instead of "what is beautiful" as a good view of attractiveness.
In summary: Beauty is often indicative of evolutionary advantages (e.g., health, fitness, fertility) and therefore, desired. This gives attractive individuals greater bargaining power. Consequently, they feel entitled, believe they can/should get whatever they want, and behave selfishly.
Takeaway
Previous work proposes that compared to others, good-looking people are treated in a more positive way in many domains, such as at school, at work, and in the dating market. But how do attractive people actually behave?
Selfishly, according to five investigations reviewed.
Self-perceived attractiveness predicted selfish intentions and behaviors, particularly when the act was not public and so could not damage the person’s reputation. This was mediated by a sense of entitlement.
In short, the more attractive a person is, the more likely he or she will take special treatment for granted and behave in a narcissistic and inconsiderate manner.
But to them, this is not being selfish. After all, the world of attractive narcissists is populated by those either too dumb or too jealous to recognize or acknowledge the superiority of beautiful people. So what people consider insensitive or self-centered is just beautiful people getting the respect they deserve!
Chris Packham,LAADC, M-RAS, CCDS, CS
