Attraction, Evolved

On the evolutionary psychology of human attraction

Robert Burriss Ph.D.

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?

Ghosting: Why Do People End Relationships by Disappearing?

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.

Deceptive Affection: Expressing More Love Than We Feel

Why do our partners sometimes show affection when they don't feel it?

Why Some Men Take Rejection So Badly

Are men who hold traditional ideas of masculine honor more likely to respond aggressively to romantic rejection?

Impulsivity and Sexual Coercion

Sexual assault and other forms of sexual coercion may be associated with impulsivity. But are all impulsive men prone to coerce?

Saying No to Sex

Students are taught to "just say no" to unwanted sex. But how do young people really navigate consent?

Mating and Memory for Faces

Science reveals one way to never forget a face: judge everyone on their attractiveness.

Profiling Politicians’ Personalities: Are Experts Biased?

New research suggests that how we perceive the personality of our leaders is colored by our own politics.

Bullying and the Mating Motive

Is adolescent bullying motivated by sexual desire?

Empathizing With a Partner’s Emotional Ups and Downs

New research suggests that our relationship quality is better if we empathize with our partner’s negative and positive feelings.

Is Jealousy a Sign That Your Partner Will Be Unfaithful?

Why are some people more jealous than others? New research suggests that many of us have distinctly Freudian motives.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

How do we decide to stay with or leave a partner we discover is cheating on us?

Our Attraction to Partners Who Look Like Our Parents

Do we tend to prefer partners who resemble our parents?

What Does Makeup Say About You?

What do we assume about a woman wearing makeup? And do our preconceptions have any basis in fact?

Baby Photos Increase Desire for Marriage

Is your social media feed full of other people's babies? New research suggests that looking at baby photos can change our attitudes to marriage.

Why Some Women Prefer a More Feminine Man

Do women who are attracted to men prefer a macho, masculine appearance? Or is a gentler, more feminine face the ideal?

What Makes a Healthy Face?

Psychologists who study facial appearance judgments have been unsure what makes a face appear healthier: shape or skin color. Until now...

When It Comes to Attraction, the Eyes Really Do Have It

The limbal ring is a part of the eye most of us never consciously notice. But this darkened part of the iris may signal health and beauty.

Intelligent Men More Likely to Marry and Stay Married

Intelligent men are more likely to be married. But is this because a smart man is more alluring, or because brainboxes happen to possess other desirable qualities?

Why Undergo Cosmetic Surgery?

Two new studies investigate why women decide to undergo cosmetic surgery. How influential are partners and the culture we live in?

Finding a Partner You Love, and Loving the Partner You Find

Do we end up with a partner who matches our ideal? Or do we shift our ideal to match the partner we’re with?

Why a Cheater's Voice Can Give Them Away

New research suggests we can tell whether someone has a history of infidelity just by listening to their voice.

Discovering Infidelity on Facebook

How do men and women react when then discover their partner is cheating on them on Facebook?

Do Tennis Players Who Grunt Have an Advantage?

Researchers have found that tennis professionals grunt differently when they win and lose. So, can we predict the winners at the 2017 US open by their grunts alone?

How Couples Resolve Disagreements About Sex

Why it’s easier to have a warm conversation with your partner about sex than about any other topic.

Make Up or Break Up? 5 Ways Couples Reconcile After a Fight

New research has identified what men and women think are the most effective tactics used by couples to reconcile after a conflict.

  • Previous
  • Page 1 (current)
  • Next