SP Attraction Lesson

Learning Target:

  • Describe the variables that contribute to attraction.

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

 

Attraction                                                              

Attraction isn't only about looks; physical appearance plays a key role in a person's perception. Attraction or attractiveness forms the basis of all human relationships. We are attracted to our romantic partners and co-workers and friends. Attraction is an essential part of what motivates people.

 

Learn about the factors of attraction in the activity below.

Proximity

 

Proximity refers to the geographic nearness to someone. Familiarity breeds fondness as the more we are exposed to something or someone the more safe and approachable it becomes. This repeated exposure is referred to as the mere exposure effect. Evolution has programmed us to bond with those that are familiar and become wary of those who are not like us.

 

 

 

 

Why We Connect with Some People More Than Others

Proximity plays a significant role in why we befriend or fall in love with some people but not others. Geographic nearness, known as proximity, is friendship's most powerful predictor.  Additionally, the mere exposure effect highlights how repeated exposure to novel stimuli can increase our liking of them. This effect is evident in infants as by three months; they prefer photos of the race they most often see. Furthermore, we tend to gravitate towards faces that incorporate features similar to our own, as familiarity makes us feel safe, which can explain why we connect more with some individuals than others.

Physical attractiveness plays a significant role in why we befriend or fall in love with some people but not others. Studies show that being physically attractive can increase social opportunities, improve how others perceive us (known as the Halo effect), and even influence how often we date. Interestingly, attractiveness is usually unrelated to self-esteem and happiness. Attractive individuals may sometimes feel suspicious that praise for their accomplishments is solely due to their looks. However, looks matter less for couples who were friends before dating, indicating that a strong emotional connection can override physical appearance. Evolution and culture also play a role in determining what we find attractive, particularly in heterosexual couples. Generally, average facial features, symmetrical faces, and appealing personality traits are considered factors that make individuals more attractive to others.

 

Take a few minutes to watch the video below on physical attraction.

 

Love

According to psychologists, there are two types of love: passionate and companionate. Passionate love is short in duration and arousal is the key ingredient. It is intense and enhances emotion. Compassionate or companionate love on the other hand is a deep affection or attachment for those with whom we share our lives. Compassionate love is the reason arranged marriages work. There is a partnership, and both receive in proportion to what they give. This type of love also leads to self-disclosure in which we will reveal intimate details about ourselves to our partner.

 

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