Two researchers from Mercyhurst College, Terry F. Pettijohn II and Brian J. Jungeberg, have correlated characteristics of Playboy Playmates to the social and economic conditions. Is it coincidence or does preference change in times of economic hardship?
During difficult social and economic conditions, Playmates were older, heavier and taller. They possessed larger waists, smaller eyes, a larger waist-to-hip ratio, a smaller bust-to-waist ratio, and smaller body mass index values when compared to their counterparts from brighter economic times.
Their findings were published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (see Via URL).
Naughty Economic Models
Psychology Research Correlates Playboy Playmates and Economic Hardship
Trend Themes
1. Changing Preferences - The correlation between Playboy Playmate characteristics and economic conditions suggests that preferences can shift during economic hardships.
2. Physical Appearance Shift - Playmates in difficult economic times had characteristics such as being older, heavier, and taller, indicating a potential disruption in the traditional standards of physical beauty.
3. Body Measurement Ratios - The study reveals that Playmates in poorer economic conditions exhibited different body measurement ratios, such as larger waist-to-hip ratios and smaller bust-to-waist ratios, presenting an opportunity for innovation in product design and marketing strategies.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion and Beauty - The changing preferences and physical appearance shift among Playmates highlight the potential for disruptive innovations in the fashion and beauty industries.
2. Entertainment and Adult Content - The correlation between economic conditions and Playboy Playmate characteristics opens up room for new strategies and content innovations in the entertainment and adult industry.
3. Market Research and Consumer Behavior - Understanding the correlation between economic conditions and consumer preferences provides an opportunity for market research firms to develop new methodologies and insights into consumer behavior.