The Effect of Hijab on Perceived Facial Attractiveness, Trustworthiness, and Intelligence by Saudi Nationals Living in Saudi Arabia

The hijab is a symbol of faith and modesty for Muslim women across the world. Previous research has primarily focused on Western countries, where the hijab is often associated with negative stereotypes. However, research on the perception of hijab in Muslim-majority countries remains limited. The current study investigated how Saudi nationals living in Saudi Arabia perceived women wearing the hijab in terms of facial attractiveness, trustworthiness, and intelligence. A sample of 97 Saudi nationals (64 female, 33 male) rated images of women in two conditions: wearing a hijab and without a hijab, using a 7-point Likert scale. The findings revealed that Saudi nationals rated women wearing a hijab as significantly more attractive, trustworthy, and intelligent than those without a hijab. These results contradict previous research conducted in Western countries, where hijab is often perceived negatively, and highlight the importance of cultural and religious context in shaping social perceptions. Additionally, the results highlight implications for workplace dynamics, social interactions, and inclusivity in Saudi Arabia. The study is confined to Saudi nationals living in Saudi Arabia, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings to other Muslim-majority countries. Moreover, these findings also raise concerns about potential implicit biases against women who choose not to wear a hijab. Future research could explore these dynamics across Muslim-majority countries, investigate perceptions of other forms of veiling (such as niqab), and examine how evolving social norms, such as those driven by Saudi Vision 2030, impact attitudes toward the hijab over time. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of cultural and religious attire in shaping social perceptions and fostering inclusivity.