This study investigated sex and physical attractiveness in evaluations of perceived promiscuous persons. Evidence for the double standard was expected, such that men would rate a promiscuous woman less favorably than women would rate a promiscuous man. University students (25 women and 24 men) viewed a photograph of an attractive or unattractive target and read fictitious information, including promiscuous sexual behavior, about the target. Analysis gave physical attractiveness effects and limited evidence for a reverse double standard. Women rated a promiscuous man more negatively than men rated a promiscuous woman.
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