Interpersonal Relationships
Lecture 3: interpersonal attraction
Olson & Marshuetz: attractiveness is appraised even outside of conscious awareness.
“an ugly baby is a very nasty object” – Queen Victoria
Mothers treat ugly babies differently. They are more playful towards attractive babies and
display more affection toward attractive babies.
Does appearance matter?
Attractive people are being helped more quickly.
Judge give lower sentences to attractive convicts.
Strong attractiveness bias in hiring decisions.
Attractive people earn more.
Overall: more attractive people tend to be somewhat happier and less depressed.
Why? A proximate explanation
Attractiveness is associated with the reward systems in the brain. When an attractive person
gazes at you the ventral striatum is activated.
Why? A stereotype account
“What is beautiful is good”-stereotype.
Halo effect = attractive individuals are perceived as more sociable, friendly, warm, competent
and intelligent.
Is there some truth to the halo-effect? Yes, physical attractiveness correlates with social skills,
friendliness, etc. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Lecture 3: interpersonal attraction
Olson & Marshuetz: attractiveness is appraised even outside of conscious awareness.
“an ugly baby is a very nasty object” – Queen Victoria
Mothers treat ugly babies differently. They are more playful towards attractive babies and
display more affection toward attractive babies.
Does appearance matter?
Attractive people are being helped more quickly.
Judge give lower sentences to attractive convicts.
Strong attractiveness bias in hiring decisions.
Attractive people earn more.
Overall: more attractive people tend to be somewhat happier and less depressed.
Why? A proximate explanation
Attractiveness is associated with the reward systems in the brain. When an attractive person
gazes at you the ventral striatum is activated.
Why? A stereotype account
“What is beautiful is good”-stereotype.
Halo effect = attractive individuals are perceived as more sociable, friendly, warm, competent
and intelligent.
Is there some truth to the halo-effect? Yes, physical attractiveness correlates with social skills,
friendliness, etc. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
