Research published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization suggests that being attractive can have its downsides, as better-looking people may be more prone to developing problems with alcohol. A study of 30,000 U.S. young people found that increased levels of risky behavior, such as drinking and partying, were linked to a high level of physical attractiveness. Specifically, more attractive teenagers were more likely to drink and binge drink, with attractive women being significantly more likely to have consumed alcohol recently compared to their less attractive peers.
Interestingly, the research also showed that more attractive teenagers were less likely to smoke, do drugs, or engage in unprotected sex. This is believed to be because these risky behaviors are considered less “cool,” and therefore, the more attractive individuals were less inclined to participate in them. Higher levels of drinking in attractive teens were found to potentially lead to alcohol problems in adulthood, as previous studies have shown a link between drinking in adolescence and alcohol-related problems later in life.
The paper’s researchers emphasized the importance of understanding how physical attractiveness can influence the decisions and behaviors of young people before they become adults. They highlighted the role of factors such as popularity, self-esteem, and personality attractiveness in shaping the choices individuals make. The study also stressed the need for promoting and nurturing adolescent self-esteem in order to prevent the onset of risky behaviors and negative outcomes in adulthood.
Overall, while being attractive may bring certain advantages in life, such as success in job hunting and higher wages, it can also lead to behaviors that have negative impacts in adulthood. The researchers suggest that awareness of this trend is crucial in addressing and managing risky behaviors in teens before they become problematic in the future. By understanding the connections between physical attractiveness and behavior, interventions can be developed to support young people in making healthier choices and reducing the risks they face later in life.
