Attraction, Evolved

On the evolutionary psychology of human attraction

Robert P. Burriss Ph.D.

The Partner Premium and Penalty

A "trophy spouse" impacts perceptions of a leader's ability, with effects differing for male and female leaders.

Narcissists Think They Have Bigger Heads—Literally

Psychologists asked volunteers to take a narcissism survey and then estimate the size of their own heads.

Tinder Typos: How Language Errors Influence Attractiveness

Choosing a flattering photo for your dating profile may not get you far, recent research shows, if the accompanying text is riddled with errors.

The Sweet Smell of Success: Fighting and Body Odor Appeal

Can you smell a winner? Scientists have investigated the links between victory in physical combat and body odor attractiveness.

Is Tinder Really a Hook-Up App?

Tinder, a popular mobile dating app, is often depicted in the media as the home of the Pick Up Artist. But is this true? How often do Tinder matches lead to sex?

Are Psychopaths Sexy?

Canadian psychologists test hypothesis that psychopathy has mating benefits.

Jealousy or Compersion?

Do polyamorous partners feel jealousy or joy when their lover finds someone new?

Deep Impact: Asserting Authority with a Low-Pitched Voice

Do men and women in positions of authority speak with a deeper and more resonant voice?

Justifying Infidelity

Most of us think cheating is wrong and wouldn't want an unfaithful partner. So how do cheaters justify their bad behavior?

What Makes Most Partners Remain Faithful

Psychologists think they know why some people cheat, but why do most remain faithful?

What Qualities Really Attract People to Each Other?

Psychologists investigate which physical characteristics men and women find most alluring in a theoretical partner.

The 5 Reasons People Fake Orgasm

Why do men and women exaggerate sexual enjoyment? Psychologists have revealed the top reasons.

Yuck! Disgust and Short-Term Relationships

New research investigates how disgust influences our desire for a casual fling.

Oxytocin: More Than Just a "Love Hormone"

A dose of oxytocin may increase the differences between men's and women's partner preferences.

Do Women Pay a Social Penalty for Wearing Makeup?

New research suggests that female appearance-enhancement is associated with social costs as well as benefits.

Does an Hourglass Figure Really Signal Fertility?

Scientists have looked again at the claim that a low waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index are associated with higher levels of fertility.

Does Beauty Signal Health?

Scientists test whether a feminine, glowing face is really evidence of physical health.

Animal Magnetism: Can Pets Affect Our Partner Preferences?

Psychologists find that being near animals can change what we find attractive in a partner.

Sex With an Ex: Good or Bad for Breakup Recovery?

Does sexual intimacy with a former partner help or hinder your recovery from a breakup?

Sexual Desire and Odor

Is you sex life impacted by a poor sense of smell?

How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

Psychologists investigate the link between beauty and wedding-ring expenditure.

Pregnancy and Desire

How the type of man a woman finds most attractive changes during pregnancy

Why Do Straight People Hook Up With Same-Gender Partners?

Researchers reveal the six types of people who consider themselves straight, but have flings with same-gender partners.

Why Couples with a Major Age Difference Offend Some People

Many of us often find a relationship with a big age difference to be off-putting, even when that relationship doesn't involve us! New research seeks to find out why.

Is a Dirty Joke a Good Pickup Line?

Women often say they are seeking a man with a good sense of humor, but does it matter what kind of humor?

Dating Apps and Mating Strategies

Are "hook-up" apps more appealing to men than women? Scientists have investigated whether gender or a desire for short-term relationships best explains our online dating behavior.

Do Hormones Really Influence What Women Find Attractive?

Many psychologists have found that their much-hyped research findings are difficult to repeat. Let's look at some recent examples from the psychology of attraction.

What to Wear on a First Date?

Psychologists have analyzed the clothing color choices of men and women on a reality TV dating show.

The Danger of a Wandering Eye

Are people who are distracted by attractive others more likely to cheat?

Loving the One You’re With

Do we prefer to stick with a partner or look for someone new?

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