New research indicates that men generally rate their own physical appearance more favorably than women do, according to a recent study involving over 1,000 participants. On average, men scored themselves between 6 and 8 percent higher than women on a self-assessment scale ranging from zero to 100.

The study also revealed notable differences across nationalities. Participants from Britain rated their attractiveness lower than those from the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. Researchers suggested that this may stem from cultural factors such as British modesty, which could influence self-perception.

Beyond gender and nationality, other factors were linked to how attractive individuals considered themselves. Those who performed better on cognitive ability tests tended to give themselves lower marks for physical appeal. Conversely, individuals who identified as optimistic, religious, or holding left-leaning political views were more likely to assign themselves higher attractiveness ratings.

Professor Adrian Furnham of BI Norwegian Business School, who led the research published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology, highlighted parallels between these findings and previous studies on self-assessment. Earlier work showed that women typically underestimate their intelligence while men overestimate theirs. Furnham suggested that the difference in self-rated appearance could reflect a broader pattern of “male hubris versus female humility.”

The study’s authors noted that physical attractiveness, as judged by others, has long been associated with various social and economic benefits. People perceived as more attractive often earn higher pay, have partners deemed more attractive, and may receive more lenient treatment in legal settings. The researchers argued that believing oneself to be attractive might similarly confer advantages by encouraging behaviors such as initiating social or professional interactions with greater confidence.

While cultural modesty may have its merits, the findings imply that underestimating one’s appeal could potentially limit opportunities. In this context, a positive self-image might serve as a catalyst for individuals seeking to navigate social environments more effectively.