What color is attractive? A look at the relationships between skin tone preference, self-esteem, and ethnic identity attitudes (2024)

Malauna Andel Crivens, Purdue University

Abstract

The majority of literature regarding skin tone preference purports that an overwhelming preference for or attraction to persons with light skin tones has existed in the African American community since the days of slavery in the United States. It has been assumed that this favoritism displayed towards persons with lighter colored skin has instigated negative behavior as well as unhealthy attitudes regarding self-worth and ethnic identity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between skin tone preference and self-esteem, ethnic identity attitude, and the person's own skin tone within the African American community. While skin tone bias has been a heavily debated issue among many African Americans, there is a paucity of empirically validated research dealing with this sensitive topic. In the present study, African American college students were asked to rate pictures of African American women with either light, dark, or medium skin tones in terms of overall social appeal or global attractiveness. The pictures were constructed by digitally enhancing six photographs of African American women such that each woman was depicted in each skin tone. Thus, all of the women were represented across all skin tone groups. Questionnaires were also administered to assess participants, levels of self-esteem and levels of ethnic identity attitude. Furthermore, participants were instructed to indicate the shade of their own skin tone. Results indicated that preference for light skin tones were associated with increased levels of self-esteem. Higher levels of ethnic identity attitude were associated with preference for medium skin tones. Finally, there was a trend for participants with darker skin tones having a preference for medium skin tone.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Conger, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Social psychology|Minority & ethnic groups|Sociology

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What color is attractive? A look at the relationships between skin tone preference, self-esteem, and ethnic identity attitudes (2024)

FAQs

What color is attractive? A look at the relationships between skin tone preference, self-esteem, and ethnic identity attitudes? ›

Results indicated that preference for light skin tones were associated with increased levels of self-esteem. Higher levels of ethnic identity attitude were associated with preference for medium skin tones.

What color suits best according to skin tone? ›

As a general guide, lighter suits are most complimentary for people with medium and darker skin tones. Likewise, a deep and dark-coloured suit looks most complimentary on fairer skin. You can also consider and work with your skin's natural undertones.

What is the relationship between skin color and self esteem? ›

Scholars have found that skin color is associated with the perception of self-worth and attractiveness. People with lighter skin tones are more likely to marry sooner, and people commonly prefer partners with lighter skin tones (Berumen & Martinez, 2021).

What skin color do people find most attractive? ›

According to a study called “Shades of beauty,” light brown skin tones are often the most physically attractive skin color (Frisby et al., 2006). They used four models for that study. They did not change the skin tone, but they imaged each model to three different skin tones: light, medium, and dark.

What color compliments most skin tones? ›

The general rule of thumb is that skin with cool undertones look best with greys, browns, blues, greens and purples. Skin with warm undertones look best with either bright or light colors. And skin with neutral undertones looks great in bold, bright colors.

What skin tone looks good in black? ›

Cooler skin tones, like Winters, are safer wearing black next to their faces. Summers, while also considered cool skin toned, cannot wear black next to the face without ageing themselves.

How do I know which color suits me? ›

The key to choosing flattering colours is to understand if your natural colouring is either warm or cool, and then 'match' your clothing colours. It is important to note that the colours that most affect how you look are those that you wear next to your face, through tops, scarves, or jewellery.

How does skin color affect attractiveness? ›

The sexual dimorphism hypothesis suggests that women with light skin tone are perceived as more attractive than women with dark skin tone, whereas the opposite is true for men (Lewis, 2011). Because Black men, on average, have a darker skin tone than White men do, they are perceived as more attractive.

How does skin relate to skin color? ›

Many factors influence the color of people's skin, but the pigment melanin is by far the most important. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes in the skin and is the primary determinant of skin color in people with darker skin.

How does appearance influence self-esteem? ›

Feelings about our physical appearance and self-esteem are often related because we live in an image-orientated society. Feelings of self-esteem can vary depending on whether you were born with a visible difference or disfigurement, or acquired it early in life, or experienced a change in appearance later in life.

Which eye color is most attractive? ›

One thing these survey results have in common is that light-colored eyes — green, gray, blue, and hazel — are named as the most attractive eye colors in the world.

What is the most attractive hair color? ›

Which hair colour do women think is the sexiest? Most women think brunette hair is the sexiest, as 25% of those polled favoured this option. Womens' second preference is blonde, which was voted as the sexiest hair colour by 19.6% of women.

What colour is most attractive to guys? ›

The Best Colors to Attract Men
  • Pink.
  • Peach/Coral.
  • Red.
  • Blue.
  • Green.
  • Black.
  • Gold.
  • Silver.

What does olive skin look like? ›

It generally refers to moderate or lighter tan or brownish skin, and it is often described as having tan, brown, cream, greenish, yellowish, or golden undertones. People with olive skin can sometimes become paler if their sun exposure is limited.

Is there a connection between body image and self-esteem? ›

Lots of people feel unhappy with some part of their looks. But when you get stuck on what you don't like, it can really bring down your self-esteem. You don't need a perfect body to have a good body image.

What Colours represent self-esteem? ›

The right yellow will lift our spirits and our self-esteem; it is the colour of confidence and optimism. Too much of it, or the wrong tone in relation to the other tones in a colour scheme, can cause self-esteem to plummet, giving rise to fear and anxiety.

What color represents low self-esteem? ›

Dark Yellow: darker shades of yellow indicate an inclination toward depression, lack of love and low self-worth.

Are body image and self-esteem related? ›

Body image and self-esteem directly influence each other—and your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. If you don't like your body (or a part of your body), it's hard to feel good about your whole self.

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