The Journal of School Psychology published a study that concludes the most good looking children are often more aggressive and more popular at school.
Researchers presented pictures of 140 Grade 7 students to college students and asked them to rate their facial attractiveness. The kids’ social and physical aggression and popularity were assessed by their teachers.
Results indicate that the most attractive are often those who have more friends despite the fact that they are also the most aggressive toward others. Society tends to be more lenient with beautiful people.
Experts say this could help to explain why visible minorities are at a higher risk for bullying because they do not conform to popular standards.
This study is also consistent with previous research that concluded a neat appearance provides a false sense of security about a person’s aggressiveness.