The Role of Physical Attraction and Social Factors in Human Relationships.

Title

The Role of Physical Attraction and Social Factors in Human Relationships.

Gail Drew (2003)

Department of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH.

Abstract

Objectives

The present study was partly based on previous research (Singh, 1993; 1994; Fallon and Rozin, 1985; Goodwin, 1990; Smith et al, 1990) to investigate the role of female body physical attractiveness and social factors between males and females in human relationships. The evolutionary theory and the social learning theory provide the basis of investigation. Four hypotheses were investigated, regarding female body shapes concerning their attractiveness. Three hypotheses were investigated in relation to personality factors, physical attributes and financial resources.
Design
The present study used a self-report questionnaire design. There were three independent variables. The first independent variable consisted of female body shapes in the form of line drawings with four levels varying from (very slim to heavy). The second variable consisted of line drawings varying in female body shapes (underweight to overweight) with twelve levels in the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) varying from 0.7 WHR (underweight) to 0.10 WHR (overweight). The third independent variable consisted of eighteen social factors. A repeated measures design was employed for all conditions. A number of one-factor repeated measures ANOVA’s and a number of independent t-tests were employed for the results analysis.
Method
57 couples took part in the present study (57 males and 57 females). The length of relationships ranged from 2 weeks to 26 years. The sex and length of relationship was recorded. The participant’s age, background, profession, and religion were not recorded. Participants were gathered using a stratified sample. Their tasks were to rate female body

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