Physical, Unconscious, and Non-physical Factors of Attraction

Abstract

Attraction is defined in many ways, and there is general idea that men and women have particular preferences in mates regarding physical attractiveness. Studies have found that physically, men prefer women with both a small waist and hips, and women prefer men with taller and more brawny bodies than themselves. However, there are unconscious factors, such as assessing a human leukocyte antigen complex through sense of smell, which many are not aware of. The most influential factor on attractiveness ratings is personality; while many are aware of their preference for a particular personality, it is less apparent than physical attractiveness preferences. Various assessments, physical, unconscious, and non-physical, form the foundation for ratings of interpersonal attraction.