Higher salary for good looking, brainy people

At a time when people are concerned about the uncertainty in the job market, a study has revealed that being good looking and intelligent can fetch a higher salary and reduce financial stress.

According to research findings of a study in the May issue of the Journal of Applied Psychology, looks, brains and personality are all important for enhancing income and reducing financial stress.

The study investigated that the core self-evaluations and educational attainment are mediating mechanisms for the influence of physical attractiveness, intelligence on income and financial strain.

"This study finds that, even accounting for intelligence, one's income prospects are enhanced by being good-looking. Education and core self-evaluations are key factors linking attractiveness and intelligence to income," the research paper, authored by University of Florida professor Timothy Judge, stated.

The study, in the Journal published by the American Psychological Association, also pointed out that people who are attractive do think more highly of their worth and capabilities which results in higher earnings and less financial stress. However, the effects of general mental ability on income were found to be stronger than those of facial attractiveness.

"It turns out that the brainy are not necessarily at a disadvantage to the beautiful, and if one possesses bothintelligence and good looks, then all the better," the study added.

Further, the effect of personality on income are particularly noteworthy and are stronger than those of attractiveness and nearly as strong as those of intelligence.

The paper revealed the influence of core self-evaluations on both income and financial strain underlines the critical role it can play in both objective and subjective life success.