Is Physical Unattractiveness a Risk Factor for Sexual Violence Perpetration? Evidence from the U.S

Maria Laura Di Tommaso, Silvia Mendolia (), Silvia Palmaccio and Giulia Savio
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Maria Laura Di Tommaso: University of Turin
Silvia Mendolia: University of Turin
Silvia Palmaccio: Bocconi University
Giulia Savio: University of Turin

No 18370, IZA Discussion Papers from IZA Network @ LISER

Abstract: A comprehensive understanding of the determinants of sexual violence constitutes a crucial step toward effective prevention. While there is much research on the role of socio-economic circumstances of both victims acund perpetrators, little is known about whether an individual’s physical attractiveness influences the likelihood of perpetrating sexual violence. Using U.S. data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we examine the relationship between attractiveness and sexual violence perpetration against one’s partner. Physical attractiveness is measured using interviewer-assigned scores for respondents aged 12 to 17. While no correlation is documented for women, among men, a one-point increase in attractiveness (on a 1–5 scale) reduces the likelihood of perpetrating sexual violence in adulthood by 13 percent. We also find that contextual factors, such as parental education and neighborhood cohesion, mitigate this association.

Keywords: sexual intimate partner violence; attractiveness; beauty premium (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I12 J12 J16 J71 K42 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-02
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