Attractiveness

A rigorous new psychology study reveals that while feminism helps women critique toxic media messaging, it doesn't always protect them from internalizing those unrealistic ideals when judging their own bodies.

Do vertical stripes actually make a person look thinner? A new study published in i-Perception provides evidence that horizontal pencil stripes can produce a more slimming effect. Researchers found that specific line spacing and direction alter our visual judgment of...

Recent research shows that while people recognize photographs of real women as more authentic, they rate fabricated artificial intelligence images as more sexually attractive. Age also plays a major role in shaping these modern visual preferences.

A recent study indicates that feeling physically appealing gives workers the confidence to share new ideas and report problems. This effect relies on the underlying belief that physical appearance grants a person greater social influence.

New research reveals a small but consistent link between early physical attractiveness and adult personality. Using decades of data, scientists found that attractive children tend to develop highly cooperative and socially effective traits by middle age.

New research indicates that a woman's age and reproductive status influence her preferences for male secondary sexual characteristics, such as muscularity and facial hair.

People judge race and gender bias more harshly than attractiveness bias, but not because they approve of "lookism." A new study reveals we simply fail to notice attractiveness bias, whereas other prejudices are easily spotted.

New research suggests women prioritize safety when choosing partners. While masculine faces are often preferred, this preference disappears if the face also signals aggression, indicating a “risk-first” approach to mate selection.

A new study using artificial intelligence suggests that while a beautiful face helps on dating apps, trying to prove you are wealthy or popular at the same time might actually hurt your chances of finding a match.

New findings indicate that static body features drive judgments of physical beauty, whereas dynamic movements are crucial for perceiving feminine expressive traits, highlighting distinct mechanisms in social perception.

A multi-center study shows that assessors from differing ethnic backgrounds rely on the same facial features—specifically periorbital wrinkles—when evaluating the age and appearance of women.

New research suggests that a potential partner’s willingness to protect you from danger is a primary driver of attraction. The study found this trait often outweighs actual physical strength, persisting even if the partner fails to stop the threat.

Researchers found that women prefer mates who show "growth motivation," meaning a desire to broaden perspectives and develop wisdom. This trait signals maturity and stability, making these men more desirable for long-term commitments.

People who see themselves and their partners as similarly high in desirability tend to report happier, more committed romantic relationships, according to new findings.

A new study in Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that attraction to high-status partners depends on both the kind of status someone displays and the relationship a person wants.