Physical Attractiveness

• What does Physical Attractiveness play a significant role in?

  Why an individual is initially attracted to a potential romantic partner; it is an IMMEDIATE and ACCESSIBLE way for potential partners to rate each other
• What does one explanation of why physical attractiveness is so important come from?

  The EVOLUTIONARY THEORY

  Features such as symmetrical faces/ physiques & youthful looks indicate FECUDITY (fertility) and physical fitness
• People are attracted to what?

  Faces with NEOTENOUS (baby face) features such as large eyes, a delicate chin and a small nose as such features indicate REPRODUCTIVE FITNESS
• Who are rated as more attractive?

  People with neotenous faces
• What do people with neotenous faces have?

  Baby-faces. Widely separated and large eyes, a delicate chin & small nose
• What are we pre-programmed to do?

  Find baby faces attractive as encourages us to take care of them
• Neotenous faces are a sign of what?

  youth and therefore indicator of fertility
• How do we enhance our neoteny?


  Using make-up and shaving body hair
• Neotenous faces elicit what?


  More resource investment and nurturing from ADULT MALES