Interpersonal attraction

Interpersonal attraction orientations

Physiological approaches, learning theory, social exchange theory, contact effects, trait approaches

Physiological approaches - Pheromones

Males wear a t-shirt for a week; women smell each shirt and rate attractiveness; hypothesis proven inaccurate

Physiological approaches - Arousal as cue

Autonomic arousal as a cue of attractiveness; romantic and friendship contexts

Physiological approaches - Misattribution of arousal

Bridge study - old vs new bridge; park ranger stops every 4th/5th man; old bridge = higher rating & more likely to call; new bridge = lower rating

Physiological approaches - Misattribution of arousal

Shock machine study; intense shock → more likely to say they liked person in waiting room

Physiological approaches - Misattribution of arousal

“Secrets” study; card guessing under the table increases attraction when secret; control = no increased attraction

Physiological approaches - Misattribution of arousal

Couples doing exciting activities in bad place → attraction levels increase

Physiological approaches - Classical conditioning

Rickety bridge causes arousal; arousal paired with person → increases attraction

Learning theory

Tend to be around/attracted to people where interactions go well (reward)

Learning theory - Operant conditioning

Rewarded interactions → more attraction

Learning theory - Reciprocity effects

If I give off “I like you,” reciprocity leads them to like me back; dislike people who dislike us

Learning theory - Flattery effects

Even if insincere, people like you more if you say something nice

Social exchange theory

Outcomes matter; rewards increase attractiveness

Social exchange theory - Probability of outcomes

Guys need ~80% chance of “yes” before asking someone out

Social exchange theory - Communal vs exchange

Many interactions with some intimacy = communal; brief/professional interactions = exchange

Social exchange theory - Example

Card sorting task; committed vs forming relationship; helping behavior differs

Contact effects

Relationships develop with people we interact with; proximity matters

Contact effects - Proximity

MIT study - students liked people in same dorm/floor more due to interactions

Contact effects - Familiarity

Attracted to familiar people; less stressed in stressful situations (e.g., interviews)

Trait approaches - Physical appearance (halo effect)

Universality of facial attractiveness; computer dance study → facial attractiveness predicts relative attractiveness

Trait approaches - First impressions

Outfit, gym weight

Trait approaches - Social interactions

diary study - More opposite-sex interactions → more positive

Trait approaches - Little kids

More attractive = called on more, positive reinforcement, easier to persuade

Trait approaches - Matching hypothesis

Partners tend to have similar physical attractiveness; motivated to pair with similar level

Trait approaches - Similarity

Attitudes & demographics; similar → interactions go well; opposites attract initially, may become dislikes later

Trait approaches - Personality variables

Introverts pair with introverts; neuroticism and self-centeredness less attractive

Trait approaches - Positivity affects

Optimistic, positive people more attractive

Trait approaches - Small imperfection

Small mistakes (e.g., spilling water during lecture) → increases human relatability → more attractive