The psychology of attraction

The basics of evolution

Animals adapt to ensure their survival
Lizards may slowly develop thicker skin in response to colder weather
Humans are animals
Darwin’s theory of evolution
- Natural selection
  - Traits increasing likelihood of survival will become more common in a species over time
- Inheritance
  - Traits, behaviours, physical qualities are passed on to successive generations
Animals engage in unusual behaviours when attracted to another animal
- Humans: buy fancy cars, bathe in perfume, spend $ on beauty routines

Depends not on the struggle for existence, but on the struggle between males for possession of females
Traits that provide advantage over rival in securing a mate are subject to sexual selection
All animals are motivated to pass on their genes
Behaviours attracting a male increase the chance of matting and passing on genes
Animals who possess said trait are
- More likely to mate
- More likely to pass on trait
Behaviour can also do this not just traits (eg. frog’s with a deeper croak)

What is true for other animals is also true for humans
Humans have psychological adaptations
- Behaviours that have evolved over time
Of our ancestors, some had certain innate instincts and intelligence that helped to solve problems
They gained advantages, allowing them to produce more offspring

Men prefer
- Higher cheekbones
- Fuller lips
- Big eyes
Women prefer
- Strong chin
- Strong bodies
In general we prefer
- Low waist-to-hip ratio
- Facial and bodily symmetry
- Plumper (rather than thinner)
- “Average” faces (rather than unusual)

Women
- More invested in finding right mate due to vulnerability
Men
- Less investment
- Biological objective; find a partner robust enough to carry genes
- Results in more ‘risky’ sexual behaviour
Modern women
- Inherited trait to desire mates who
  - Possess resources
  - Have qualities linked with acquiring resources
  - Are willing to share resources
Modern men
- Desire women who are
  - Young
  - Healthy