Perception of physical attractiveness: Mechanisms involved in the maintenance of romantic relationships

Jeffry A. SimpSon, Steven W. Gangestad, Margaret Lerma

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In 2 studies, factors involved in the perception of attractiveness of opposite-sex persons were examined. Investigation 1 revealed that individuals involved in dating relationships, relative to those not involved in them, tend to perceive opposite-sex persons as less physically and sexually attractive. Investigation 2 revealed that this dating status effect was not attributable to differences in physical attractiveness, self-esteem, empathy, self-monitoring, or altruism between individuals who were and those who were not involved in exclusive dating relationships. Moreover, both groups perceived young/same-sex and older/opposite-sex persons as equally attractive, suggesting that the effect is specific to young/opposite-sex persons. Results are discussed in terms of possible proximate and ultimate explanations underlying relationship maintenance processes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationClose Relationships
Subtitle of host publicationKey Readings
PublisherPsychology Press
Pages365-380
Number of pages16
ISBN (Print)0863775950, 9780203311851
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 18 2004
Externally publishedYes

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