Attraction, Evolved

On the evolutionary psychology of human attraction

Robert Burriss Ph.D.

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.

Is There 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 Many People Condemn Couples with a Major Age Difference

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?

Why Do Some People Vanish from Relationships?

What is behind the modern phenomenon of disappearing from a loved one's life without a trace, aka "ghosting"?

Is Personality Skin Deep?

Romantic partners tend to look alike, but do we only match our lovers in attractiveness? New research suggests that couples may also look like they share personality traits.