factors affecting attraction - physical attractiveness

• shackleford + larson:

  • people with more symmetry more attractive - honest signal of genetics
  • initial attractiveness still important feature long term
• halo effect:

  • feature has disproportionate effect on judgements of other attributes - creates idea that attractive people have universally positive attributes
  • dion et al - physically attractive people consistently rated as kind, strong, successful
• matching hypothesis (walster + walster):

  • dont pick most attractive person, attracted to those who match level of attractiveness, compromise
  • avoids rejection by someone out of their league
• EVALUATION: halo effect research support

  • palmer + peterson - attractive people rated more politically knowledgeable + competent
  • supports effect, counterevidence - trump not conventionally attractive but elected
  • increases validity but has some limitations in real life
• EVALUATION: matching hypothesis research support

  • walster et al - 752 students, blind date uni dance, ranked themselves on qualities, thought they were well matched, attractiveness more important between partners
  • feingold - 17 study metaanalysis - correlation in attractiveness ratings
  • increases validity, important factor in relationships
• EVALUATION: complex matching

  • sprecher + hatfield - lack of evidence for physical attractiveness matching
  • someone may compensate for looks with personality or status (complex matching)
  • people can attract more attractive people e.g older men younger women