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Predictors for infidelity and divorce highlighted in new research

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who quickly disengage their attention from attractive partners are less likely to engage in infidelity. Conversely, those who take longer to look away from romantic alternatives have a higher risk of infidelity. Additionally, devaluing potentia...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 12, 2018

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder

A study published in Springer's Sex Roles journal found that men under the influence of alcohol are more likely to objectify women. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to analyze how men viewed images of attractive and unattractive women, revealing that intoxication increases the likelihood of viewing women as sexual objects.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateDec 20, 2017

Why arched backs are attractive

A study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science found that small changes in a woman's back angle influence attractiveness ratings. The results suggest an arching of the back signals female receptivity, which may explain why high heels are considered attractive.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateOct 25, 2017

Perceptions about body image linked to increased alcohol, tobacco use for teens

Researchers found that negative body image is associated with increased substance use in teenagers, including girls who believe they are very good-looking being more likely to binge drink. This study suggests that improving body image awareness through education and prevention programs can help reduce unhealthy behavior.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse·DateJun 21, 2017

There's more to attraction than what meets the eye

Research highlights the importance of non-visual factors like voice and scent in social perception, which can influence attractiveness. Studies have shown that people can accurately guess characteristics like gender, age, and body size from a voice or scent.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 18, 2017

Do you really get paid less if you're 'ugly'?

A study by Kanazawa and Still found that healthier and more intelligent people, as well as those with better personality traits, tend to earn higher salaries. In contrast, the 'ugliness premium' theory suggests that physically unattractive individuals earn less.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateFeb 16, 2017

Voice appeal

A study by Canadian researcher Emily Blamire found that female listeners rank male voices as more attractive when the 's' sound is shorter, while male listeners do not. The study suggests that men and women use different criteria when judging vocal attractiveness.

Reading the right sexual cues

A study found that male and female college students focus on nonverbal emotional cues when making quick judgments about a woman's sexual interest. However, those with rape-supportive attitudes relied more on attire and attractiveness. Cognitive training can improve perceptions of women's momentary sexual interest.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateOct 26, 2016

Children less likely to trust ugly people

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children's perception of trustworthiness is linked to attractiveness, with more attractive faces being deemed trustworthy. The ability to make this judgment develops with age, becoming more consistent as children approach adulthood.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 13, 2016

Money really does matter in relationships

Researchers found that wealthy men prioritize physical attractiveness and engage in short-term mating, while committed women may adopt more consistent strategies due to reproductive costs. The study suggests evolutionary psychology principles influence mate selection across cultures.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 24, 2016

Deep male voices not so much sexy as intimidating

Research found that deep-pitched male voices are seen as dominant by other males but have a smaller impact on attracting females. Human male traits imply physical aggression and formidability, providing competitive advantages in fighting or threatening other men more than they help attract women.

Stepping up the sexy

A study by Queen's University professor Nikolaus Troje found that attractiveness depends on internal consistency of appearance, with mismatched features perceived as less attractive. The researchers used hybrid walkers, combining movement styles and body shapes, to demonstrate the importance of consistency in appearance.

SourceQueen's University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateAug 10, 2015

Rethinking the rebound: Unexpected effects of rejection

A new study found that rejection by an attractive man led women to derogate and reject unattractive men, highlighting the importance of assurance in social connections. The researchers replicated the effect, suggesting that immediate acceptance may not be the primary goal after rejection.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 12, 2015

High heels may enhance a man's instinct to be helpful

A French study found that men are more likely to help women wearing high heels than those wearing flat shoes. The study suggests that men associate high heels with femininity and attractiveness. Men were also quicker to start chatting with women wearing heels, indicating a stronger instinct to be helpful.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateNov 19, 2014

Attractive professional cyclists are faster

A recent study has demonstrated that women's preferences for facial attractiveness in professional cyclists coincide with improved endurance performance. The research, conducted by Erik Postma at the University of Zurich, analyzed over 800 portraits and found that attractive riders fared better during the Tour de France.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 5, 2014

Faces we don't forget

Psychologists at the University of Jena discovered that attractive faces without distinctive features are less memorable. In a study published in Neuropsychologia, researchers found that test subjects were more likely to remember unattractive faces than attractive ones when the latter lacked notable traits.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateFeb 4, 2014

Social network spying could lead to low returns

Using social networks for pre-employment screening can create a negative impression of the company, leading to lower attractiveness and potential lawsuits. Applicants perceive this practice as an invasion of privacy, which can discourage them from accepting job offers.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateDec 17, 2013