Omitted evidence undermines sexual motives explanation for attractiveness bias. (22nd March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: LaFrance, Marianne; Eagly, Alice H.
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 40(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-03-22
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X16000522
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: This commentary makes three points: (1) the existing evidence does not consistently favor the proposed sex difference in attractiveness preferences, nor the fitness-related outcomes of attractiveness; (2) the neglected association of perceived attractiveness and trustworthiness allowed the authors to incorrectly attribute many findings solely to attractiveness, and (3) the importance accorded attractiveness in mate preferences is culturally shaped and likely evolutionarily novel.