Factors affecting attraction: Physical Attractiveness
Explaining the importance of physical attractiveness
One promising explanation is the evolutionary theory that may explain why physical
attractiveness is important when forming relationships.
Shakelford and Larsen (1997) found that people with symmetrical faces are rated as more
attractive. This is because it may be a honest sign of genetic fitness- it is difficult to fake
facial symmetry.
People are also attracted to faces with neotenous features such as widely separated and
large eyes, a delicate chin and a small nose because it triggers a caring and protective
instinct.
McNulty et al. (2008) found evidence that the initial attractiveness that brought the partners
together continued to be an important feature of the relationship after marriage, for at least
several years.
The halo effect
1
Explaining the importance of physical attractiveness
One promising explanation is the evolutionary theory that may explain why physical
attractiveness is important when forming relationships.
Shakelford and Larsen (1997) found that people with symmetrical faces are rated as more
attractive. This is because it may be a honest sign of genetic fitness- it is difficult to fake
facial symmetry.
People are also attracted to faces with neotenous features such as widely separated and
large eyes, a delicate chin and a small nose because it triggers a caring and protective
instinct.
McNulty et al. (2008) found evidence that the initial attractiveness that brought the partners
together continued to be an important feature of the relationship after marriage, for at least
several years.
The halo effect
1
