Similarity of Attractiveness Levels in Engaged Couples:
Running head: Similarity of Attractiveness Levels in Engaged Couples
Similarity of Attractiveness Levels in Engaged Couples: Do You Pick Your Mate Based on Your Own Attractiveness Level?
Abstract
Like other similar research, this study will determine that it is the similarities not the differences that bring people together when they are selecting their mates. This study explores this concept based strictly on physical attractiveness levels. Participants will be asked to rate each member of a couple separately and then the rating will be compared. If the expected result is achieved, each individual will have a rating similar to that of their mate. It was concluded that people select mates that have a similar physical attractiveness level to their own.
Similarity of Attractiveness Levels in Engaged Couples: Do You Pick Your Mate Based on Your Own Attractiveness Level?
It has long been debated whether similarities or differences influenced people more in selecting their mates. Popular sayings such as opposites attract and birds of feather flock together show a need for understanding these occurrences in mate selection. The similarity-dissimilarity effect theory in social psychology suggests that people are more likely to positively respond to others who are similar to themselves and negatively to dissimilar others. The greater the degree of attitude similarity between two persons, the greater is their attraction for each other (Leonard,R.L. 1975). According to Leonard (1975) the levels of similarity are based on physical proximity, personal attributes, competence and physical attractiveness of an individual. Instead of taking into account various factors similarity as done by Leonard, our study will focus strictly on comparing the levels of attractiveness among mates. According to the matching hypothesis in social psychology men and women of a similar level of attractiveness will be drawn to each other as
Similarity of Attractiveness Levels in Engaged Couples: Do You Pick Your Mate Based on Your Own Attractiveness Level?
Abstract
Like other similar research, this study will determine that it is the similarities not the differences that bring people together when they are selecting their mates. This study explores this concept based strictly on physical attractiveness levels. Participants will be asked to rate each member of a couple separately and then the rating will be compared. If the expected result is achieved, each individual will have a rating similar to that of their mate. It was concluded that people select mates that have a similar physical attractiveness level to their own.
Similarity of Attractiveness Levels in Engaged Couples: Do You Pick Your Mate Based on Your Own Attractiveness Level?
It has long been debated whether similarities or differences influenced people more in selecting their mates. Popular sayings such as opposites attract and birds of feather flock together show a need for understanding these occurrences in mate selection. The similarity-dissimilarity effect theory in social psychology suggests that people are more likely to positively respond to others who are similar to themselves and negatively to dissimilar others. The greater the degree of attitude similarity between two persons, the greater is their attraction for each other (Leonard,R.L. 1975). According to Leonard (1975) the levels of similarity are based on physical proximity, personal attributes, competence and physical attractiveness of an individual. Instead of taking into account various factors similarity as done by Leonard, our study will focus strictly on comparing the levels of attractiveness among mates. According to the matching hypothesis in social psychology men and women of a similar level of attractiveness will be drawn to each other as
Cited: Hinsz, V.B. (1989).Facial Resemblance in Engaged and Married Couples. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 6, 223-229. Jellison, W., McConnell, A., & Gabriel, S. (2004). Implicit and Explicit Measures of Sexual Orientation Attitudes: In Group Preferences and Related Behaviors and Beliefs among Gay and Straight Men. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30, 629-642. Kalick, S. & Hamilton, T. (1986). The Matching Hypothesis Reexamined. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51, 673-682. Leonard, R.L. 1975. Self-Concept and Attraction for Similar and Dissimilar Others. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 31, 926-929.