Dutton + Aron 1974

Heightened Sexual Attraction

Increased sexual attraction observed under conditions of high anxiety or strong emotions.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

A projective psychological test used to assess individuals' thoughts, feelings, and motivations through storytelling based on ambiguous images.

Arousal-Inducing Environment

Situations or settings that provoke feelings of fear or anxiety, such as crossing a suspension bridge.

Emotion-Sexual Attraction Link

The hypothesis that strong emotions, such as fear or anger, can enhance sexual attraction to others.

Behavioral Data

Observations and measurements of subjects' actions, such as willingness to provide contact information or call the interviewer.

Aggression-Sexual Arousal Link

The relationship observed between aggressive feelings and increased sexual arousal, supported by previous studies.

Schachter's Theory of Emotion

A theory suggesting that individuals label their emotional states based on environmental cues, which may influence their feelings of attraction.

Emotional Residuals

The lingering emotional effects from a previous intense experience that may influence subsequent feelings of attraction.

Laboratory Experiment

A controlled study designed to further investigate the relationship between anxiety and sexual attraction, minimizing external variables.

Lady-in-Distress Effect

The phenomenon where the presence of a female in a vulnerable situation increases male attraction towards her.

Cognitive Labeling

The process of interpreting physiological arousal in the context of emotional experiences, potentially leading to sexual attraction.

Sexual Imagery Scores

Quantitative measures of sexual content in stories written by subjects, used to assess levels of sexual arousal.

Differential Subject Populations

Variations in characteristics or backgrounds of subjects that may influence the outcomes of the study.

Thrill Seeking

A personality trait that may predispose individuals to seek out exciting or anxiety-inducing experiences, potentially affecting attraction.

Emotional Arousal

The physiological and psychological state of being emotionally stimulated, which can influence interpersonal attraction.

Experimental Hypothesis

The proposed explanation that strong emotions increase sexual attraction, tested through various experiments.