Factors affecting attraction - Physicalattractiveness and the matching hypothesis

Factors affecting attraction - Physicalattractiveness and the matching hypothesis

1. Physical attractiveness is important in attracting a mate because

   • Indicator of good genetic material
   • Crucial in determining attraction to an individual
   • Individuals are not very good at determining their own attractiveness, most people agree on attractiveness in others
   • Physical attractiveness is more important to men - women look for more emotional security from men, whilst men place emphasis on younger, attractive females

2. The Matching Hypothesis

   • Walster et al
   • Individuals will pick a partner that is of the same level of physical attractiveness as them
   • Halo effect
     • People who are deemed to be attractive tend to benefit from favourable perceptions from society
       • An attractive person is more likely to be acquitted (deemed not guilty) of a crime and are deemed more trustworthy and sociable than less attractive individuals
         • Important as while physical attractiveness is typically the first thing we see in a partner, their personality then has to be suitable
           • It could be argued that attractive people make their personalities more attractive