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 language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Close Relationships |
| Subtitle of host publication | Key Readings |
| Publisher | Psychology Press |
| Pages | 365-380 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| ISBN (Print) | 0863775950, 9780203311851 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 18 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |