Sensory Values in Romantic Attraction in Four Europeans Countries

Abstract

The series of studies explored the role of visual, auditory, tactile-kinesthetic, and olfactory modalities in physical attraction toward a romantic partner in four cultures. Participants ( N = 1,330) from four European countries, Russia ( n = 433), Portugal ( n = 248), Georgia ( n = 436), and France ( n = 213) completed the surveys rating the degree of their physical attraction and how important the various sensory modalities are in their romantic attraction to a partner. Factor analysis revealed 13 sensory factors, among those are expressive behavior, dancing, singing, facial structure, body characteristics, hair and eye features, voice, expressive manner of speaking, skin, dressing, and lips. ANOVA showed cross-culturally common and most prevalent sensory factors of romantic attraction as well as differences among cultures. These differences are explained by climate variations, cultural values, and traditions.