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Meeting Your Match: How Attractiveness Similarity Affects Approach Behavior in Mixed-Sex Dyads

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: This experimental study investigated approach behavior toward opposite-sex others of similar versus dissimilar physical attractiveness. Furthermore, it tested the moderating effects of sex. Single participants interacted with confederates of high and low attractiveness. Observers rated their behavior in terms of relational investment (i.e., behavioral efforts related to the improvement of interaction fluency, communication of positive interpersonal affect, and positive self-presentation). As expected, men displayed more relational investment behavior if their own physical attractiveness was similar to that of the confederate. For women, no effects of attractiveness similarity on relational investment behavior were found. Results are discussed in the light of positive assortative mating, preferences for physically attractive mates, and sex differences in attraction-related interpersonal behaviors.

Source: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

DOI: 10.1177/0146167209332965

Authors: Ischa van Straaten, Rutger C. M. E. Engels, Catrin Finkenauer, Rob W. Holland

Institutions: Radboud University Nijmegen, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

OpenAlex ID: W2099184232