Relationships Phys Attractiveness Ao1 Flashcards
Shackleford and larsen found…
found that people with symmetrical faces are rated as more attractive - it may show an honest signal of genetic fitness
- associated robust genes are likely to be passed on
- we want these genes for our offspring
facial symmetry is attractive .. what else is
neotenous/baby face features
- doe eyes
- button nose
- thought to trigger protective and caring instincts linked to formation of attachment in infancy
why are baby face and symmetry evolutionary
- we have evolved a liking of facial symmetry as it signals to high quality genes to pass on to offspring
- baby face features that strengthen attachment are seen as adaptive
Mc nulty et al - support for attractivness
McNulty et al. (2008) found that initial attractiveness is not only important at the start of the relationship, but also after marriage.
what is the halo effect
ppl that are physically attractive are pre concieved to have positive attributes
people may then interact more positively toward them
research support for halo effect
dion et al 1972 found physically attractive people are consistently rated as strong, kind,successful and sociable compared with unattractive people
Matching hypothesis states (walster et al 1966)
we choose partners that are of the same level of attractiveness as our selves
so we must first asses our own value to a potential partner
based on matching hypothesis - choosing partners is a _______
comprimise
why is choosing a partner a comprimise
even though evolutionary theories say we should choose the most attractive partners we cant all mate with the most attractive members of society
how do we choose partners through compromise
- asses our own attractiveness in a relationship
- look for romantic partners who are on a similar level of attractiveness as us
- we avoid rejection by not chasing partners we see as too attractive
- retain our partners by not choosing someone who would leave for someone else
