Factors Influencing Attraction

Flashcards about factors influencing attraction based on lecture notes.

Attraction

A desire to approach, energized by a universal need for affiliation.

Target Factors in Attraction

Qualities or characteristics of a person that influence how attractive they are perceived to be.

Perceiver Factors in Attraction

Individual characteristics and preferences of the person perceiving attraction.

Physical Attractiveness

A potent target factor where attractive people are assumed to have positive characteristics.

Averageness in Attractiveness

Refers to prototypicality, the tendency to find average faces attractive.

Symmetry in Attractiveness

A quality believed to signal robust health and strong immune systems.

Sexual Attractiveness

A more specific phenomenon than physical attractiveness; relates to arousal of sexual desire and perceived ability to provide sexual pleasure.

Romantic Attractiveness

A person’s perceived desirability as a romantic partner, involving physical and sexual attractiveness but going beyond physical appearance.

Social Status

A potent factor; people try to forge connections with individuals who have higher social status.

Courtesy Stigma

The transfer of low status by mere association.

Parental Investment Theory

Theory that females invest substantial biological resources while males invest minimal biological resources.

Homophily

The tendency to be attracted to, and affiliate with, others who are similar to oneself.

Homogamy

The tendency to mate (and reproduce) with similar others.

Propinquity

Mere exposure; increased liking with repeated exposure.

Situational Arousal

Extraneous physiological arousal can be misattributed to attractive bystanders.

Androgens and Sexual Attraction

Circulating androgen levels predict sexual interest and activity in adults.

Adrenarche

The adrenal glands produce the androgen DHEA, which happens in both boys and girls, typically around age 10.

Spectrum of Sexuality

The concept that sexuality ranges on a spectrum.

Biological Factors and Attraction

Hormones and genes.

Social Factors and Attraction

Status and resources.

Situational Circumstances and Attraction

Arousal.

Interpersonal Chemistry and Attraction

Shared Attitudes.