Gabriella
Mutale

Thesis Title: The effects of pathogen priming on body perception

I am a PhD student in the School of Social Sciences where I am currently working on my thesis entitled The effects of pathogen priming on body perception. My research examines the perceptual and psychological factors involved in making judgments about bodies and how these affect preferences for body weight.

I am especially interested in how the environmental context can affect the perception of bodies and my thesis examines the effects of pathogen priming on body perception. I am also interested in applying evolutionary theory to understanding perception and cognition particularly the perceived attractiveness and health of bodies.

Director of Studies

Dr Andrew Dunn

Research Groups / Centres and Projects

Psychology, Perception and Cognition

Publications

Conference Presentations

• Mutale, G. J., Dunn, A. K., Stiller, J., & Larkin, R. (2014). Pathogen priming affects preferences for female and male body weight [Oral Presentation]. 31st BPS Cognitive Section Annual Conference, 2nd - 5th September 2014, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.
• Mutale, G. J., & Dunn, A. K. (2013). The presence of perceived environmental disease shifts preferences for female body weight. [Poster Presentation] BPS Cognitive and Developmental Section Annual Conference, 4th - 6th September 2013, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
• Mutale, G. J., & Dunn, A. K. (2012). Dramatic shifts in perceived self body size of young girls following short exposure to Barbie dolls. [Poster Presentation] 29th BPS Cognitive Section Annual Conference, 29th - 31st August 2012, Glasgow, UK.