Is Facial Attractiveness a Factor in Victimization Involving Robbery/Theft?

Researchers have found that attractive faces are associated with qualities of goodness, honesty, warmth, and being more socially desirable. Physically attractive individuals experience several advantages (i.e., occupational success, criminal justice system decisions, interpersonal relationships) compared to average and unattractive individuals. Facial attractiveness has been found to be a predictor of victimization for females in relation to sexual assault. To date, facial attractiveness involving male victims has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to determine whether facial attractiveness influences an offender’s choice when selecting a male victim to commit robbery or theft against. The sample consisted of two hundred participants that ranged in age from 18 to 75 years old. Participants were asked to fill out an online survey comprised of a Facial Victim/Offender Survey and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory. Facial attractiveness did play a role in victimization. Facially attractive male victims were perceived as possessing more socially desirable qualities and more likely to be employed. Both male and female participants selected facially attractive males for the vignette offenders to victimize compared to average and unattractive male victims. Overall, this research provides evidence that facial attractiveness is related to offender victim-selection.