8. RELATIONSHIPS (Factors Affecting Attraction - Physical Attractiveness) Flashcards
Why is physical attractiveness considered important in forming romantic relationships?
It may be linked to evolutionary theory and sexual selection, as it can signal genetic fitness.
What did Shackelford and Larsen (1997) find about facial symmetry?
People with symmetrical faces are rated as more attractive, as symmetry may indicate good genes.
What is the halo effect in relation to physical attractiveness?
The tendency for physically attractive people to be perceived as having positive personality traits (e.g., kind, successful, sociable).
What phrase did Dion (1972) use to summarise the halo effect?
“What is beautiful is good”—attractive people are assumed to have more desirable qualities.
How does the halo effect create a self-fulfilling prophecy?
We treat attractive people positively, which makes them behave in ways that confirm our expectations.
What supporting evidence exists for physical attractiveness affecting attraction?
Eastwick and Finkel (2008) found that physical attractiveness influences romantic interest in both men and women in speed-dating studies.
What did Meltzer et al. (2014) find about physical attractiveness in long-term relationships?
Husbands with attractive wives reported higher marital satisfaction, whereas wives’ satisfaction was not affected by husbands’ attractiveness.
How does Cunningham et al. (1995) support an evolutionary basis for physical attractiveness?
Features like large eyes, high eyebrows, and prominent cheekbones were rated as attractive across different cultures (White, Hispanic, and Asian males).
What is the matching hypothesis?
The idea that people seek partners of similar physical attractiveness to themselves to avoid rejection.
Why does the matching hypothesis make evolutionary sense?
Pursuing someone too attractive could lead to rejection, reducing reproductive opportunities
Why does the matching hypothesis make evolutionary sense?
Pursuing someone too attractive could lead to rejection, reducing reproductive opportunities
What limitation exists in Murstein’s (1972) study on the matching hypothesis?
It used photographs, which may not fully represent real-life attractiveness and could lack internal validity.
Why does Murstein’s study not establish causation?
It only shows correlation, meaning other factors (e.g., personality, wealth) could contribute to relationship formation (complex matching).
What contradictory evidence challenges the matching hypothesis?
Taylor et al. (2011) found that online daters pursued partners more attractive than themselves, contradicting the idea that people choose “in their league.”
How does the matching hypothesis suffer from cultural bias?
It may apply more to individualistic cultures (where relationships are voluntary) than collectivist cultures (where arranged marriages focus on economic and family considerations).
