Relationships: Physical Attraction Flashcards
what’s the definition of physical attraction?
how appealing we find some people’s faces. there’s a general agreement across cultures of what is attractive.
what’s the importance of physical attractiveness?
Shackleford + Larsen found symmetrical faces were seen as more attractive as it’s an honest sign of genetic fitness. neotenous (baby-like) features were more attractive as it triggers the protective caring instinct. McNulty found evidence that attractiveness that brought partners together is still important years later.
what’s the halo effect?
preconceived ideas of personality traits attractive people have had. Dion said attractive people were seen as kind, sociable and successful. these beliefs make them appear even more attractive. halo effect to describe how ones features tends to have a disproportionate influence how people perceive them.
what’s the matching hypothesis?
