Search results
Physical attractiveness is the degree to which a person's physical features are considered aesthetically pleasing or beautiful. The term often implies sexual attractiveness or desirability, but can also be distinct from either. There are many factors which influence one person's attraction to another, with physical aspects being one of them.
- Overview
- Why Physical Attraction Is Important
- Factors That Contribute to Physical Attraction
- Signs of Physical Attraction
- Physical Attraction and Relationships
Trending Videos
Physical attraction refers to the fact that an individual finds another person appealing, says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University. "It is a physical energy that is the result of the chemistry between two people."
Physical attraction is often instant, and it can contribute to feelings of excitement, increased energy levels, and a craving for physical connection upon seeing someone for the first time. Instant physical attraction and the ensuing emotional response contribute to what people call "love at first sight."
At a Glance
Physical attraction is often the spark that inspires a connection between people. Many factors can play a role, including facial features, physical dimensions, facial expressions, and non-visual cues. Evolutionary and sociocultural factors also play a part.
If you think someone is attracted to you (or vice versa), you might notice more smiling, eye contact, nervousness, and excitement when you are around them.
Physical attraction is often the first thing to grab our interest when we are looking for potential partners. For example, when you’re scrolling through profiles on a dating app, the first thing you probably look at is the person’s picture.
If they seem attractive to you at first glance, you may explore their profile further and then decide whether you want to communicate with them; however, if their picture doesn’t pique your interest in that split second, you probably move on to the next one.
Similarly, when you enter a room, such as a restaurant, bar, office, or conference room, you probably do a quick scan of the room. If someone seems physically attractive to you, your eyes may linger on them, or keep going back to them, and you may find yourself interested in what they’re doing or saying.
That initial physical attraction is often what grabs our interest so that we feel inspired to get to know the other person more.
These are some of the factors that play a role in physical attractiveness:
•Facial features: According to a 2015 study, facial features and facial symmetry are the most important determinants of physical attractiveness.
•Physical dimensions: Research studies also show that apart from facial features, other anthropometric factors such as physical dimensions and ratios play a role in physical attractiveness as well.
•Facial expressions: The face typically plays the most important part in social interaction, making facial expressions another important component in physical attractiveness, according to a 2021 study. For instance, the study notes that smiling signals intelligence and trustworthiness and increases physical attractiveness.
•Non-visual cues: A 2015 study shows that other non-visual cues such as voice and scent also contribute to physical attractiveness.
Mere Exposure Effect: How Familiarity Breeds Attraction
Physical attraction is characterized by physiological changes in the body, such as a release of the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, says Romanoff.
"Attraction also activates the orbitofrontal cortex of the brain, which is the part of your brain that processes sensory rewards," Romanoff explains. These physiological changes can trigger emotional and behavioral changes.
These are some of the signs of physical attraction, according to Romanoff:
•Smiling when around the person
•Maintaining prolonged eye contact with them
•Feeling nervous at the prospect of interacting with them
Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD
Physical attraction is important because it leads to greater physical intimacy and connection, helping partners feel more bonded and attached to each other. — Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD Physical attraction also helps people maintain relationships. According to a 2015 study, being physically attracted to one’s partner is linked to greater marriage satisfaction and longevity. However, healthy relationships shouldn’t be based on physical attraction alone. Couples should have a strong and widespread foundation for their relationship—this includes an alignment of values, goals, and priorities, says Romanoff. "If partners are not connected in these other realms, their physical attraction might not be able to sustain a more serious relationship," she explains.
What This Means For You
Physical attraction is often a primal, instinctive reaction to another person, based on factors such as their appearance, expressions, voice, and scent. While physical attraction is one aspect of being in a relationship, it is also important to consider and build upon shared values such as trust, compassion, respect, and honesty. My Partner Doesn’t Find Me Attractive Anymore Additional Reading By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.
Physical attractiveness refers to the fact that human beings have preferences about the physical appearances of other people, particularly with reference to their facial features and body proportions.
Jun 3, 2016 · Google Scholar. The dominant evolutionary theory of physical attraction posits that attractiveness reflects physiological health, and attraction is a mechanism for identifying a healthy mate. Previous studies have found that perceptions of the healthiest body mass index (weight scaled for height; BMI) for women are close to healthy BMI ...
- Mary Ellen Brierley, Kevin R. Brooks, Jonathan Mond, Richard J. Stevenson, Ian D. Stephen
- 2016
Feb 26, 2016 · Physical characteristics (e.g., narrow waist, long legs, and medium–large breasts) play an important role in determining attractiveness and selecting a potential mate, particularly in men’s evaluations of women ( Dixson, Grimshaw, Linklater, & Dixon, 2010, 2011b; Singh, 1993; Singh & Young, 1995 ).
- Ray Garza, Roberto R. Heredia, Anna B. Cieslicka
- 2016
Introduction. The physical attractiveness stereotype refers to generalizations about individuals based on their appearance (high, medium, or low attractiveness). This stereotype affects perceivers’ beliefs and expectations about others depending upon the target person’s level of attractiveness.
May 18, 2017 · Physical attractiveness plays a central role in the assessment of human mate value. This has made it a widely examined topic in contemporary psychology and biology. The variables that determine mate value, such as health, sexual maturity and reproductive potential, are often not directly observable.
