What does science say about attraction? What are the results of research carried out by psychologists on this phenomenon?

In this article you will find the 12 keys to the psychology of attraction and the mysteries surrounding the relationship between our brain and our behaviour related to the act of attraction.

Psychology of Attraction and Research

Psychologists have been trying for years to find out more about attraction, for example, why and how this process occurs, why we are attracted to some people and not to others. Nowadays it is thought that attraction involves cultural and biological variables, but attraction is an abstract concept and there has not always been consensus on this issue.

  • In fact, some research has provided some certainly curious data. You can read about them in this article: “Amor y enamoramiento: 7 investigaciones sorprendentes”

Keys to the Psychology of Attraction

Because all human beings are attracted to each other. When someone attracts us and makes us feel that special feeling, our world changes. That person becomes our target and whatever happens we want to merge into his body. Society may have evolved, but our innate instincts are not like those of attraction.

And… what does psychology say about it? What are the keys to the psychology of attraction? To find out, just keep reading.

1. Handsome or ugly?

One of the big questions that many of us ask ourselves is whether the physical aspect, i.e. being handsome, is so important when it comes to flirting. In fact, you will surely agree that there are not very attractive people who succeed in love and attraction .

According to research published in the British newspaper “The Telegraph”, the key to this is the attitude shown by some people. There are many individuals who, despite not being attractive, show a great deal of security and self-confidence. Perhaps beauty is not so important after all.

2. Best fun and intriguing

A person may be attractive and successful, and if they also have great self-confidence they are certainly captivating. But what if it’s boring?

Maybe we don’t like it so much anymore. This is what John Medina, a biologist who concludes that the brain has a very short attention span, says. So we are attracted to people and things that are fun, interesting, intriguing and that catch our attention. After all, attraction is not just a pretty face. But it is the moments we share with that person that accentuates those intimate moments .

3. 30 seconds is enough

You may have heard many times the phrase that it is the first impression that counts, and this may be true in terms of attraction. Have you ever felt a crush on that special person?

Research states that it only takes 30 seconds to be attracted to a person . Maybe it does matter what you look like then.

4. Red: color of the attraction

Colours provoke emotions in people, and red is associated with love, passion and fertility for many reasons. However, it seems that red could be the colour of attraction, according to one study.

These researchers conclude that red is the colour that both men and women should wear , because it suits us better and makes other people want us more. In other words, it increases our seductive power.

5. Symmetry

A University of Mexico study led by a biologist found that both men and women find people of the opposite sex who have a more symmetrical face and body more attractive .

This is because the brain associates symmetry with good genetics. The study also concluded that people with more symmetrical features enjoy a more pleasurable intimate life.

6. A matter of curves

Even if the fashion world or the magazines insist on making us fans of thin people, the reality is that curves are still successful among men. This is what a study by Devendra Singh, a psychologist and researcher at the University of Texas, found.

According to his conclusions, the figure of the woman who resembles an hourglass is the most attractive . In the case of women, they prefer men with wider shoulders.

7. Body language

Body language has been one of the most studied topics, and it has been concluded that open body language is attractive to both men and women . This type of body language shows willingness to court, which helps to initiate conversations. Exposing your torso, raising your shoulders, or showing your neck makes you more attractive.

  • You can learn more about this topic in our article: “The 6 signs that show physical attraction to another person”

8. Facial structure

There seems to be a relationship between the facial structure and what happens in our body. Oestrogen contributes to the growth of the bones in a woman’s face, specifically her lower face or chin.

In men, testosterone is involved in the development of the lower face, jaw or prominent forehead. These facial structures are attractive to the opposite sex .

9. The smell

A recent study has shown that women smell better and are more attractive to men at certain times of the month , which has to do with the menstrual cycle.

For these, the men who smell best are those with symmetrical features. Other research found that women during menstruation have a finer sense of smell and are more attracted to men with symmetrical features.

10. Particularities of the voice

The voice we emit can also be an aphrodisiac . Science has shown that men prefer women with a higher voice. While women prefer men with lower voices. This has to do with hormones and the reproductive development of the species.

11. Dilated pupils give away

The look is, without a doubt, one of the keys to attraction. A deep gaze can reach our hearts. Science says that dilated pupils give away our attraction to another person .

When they get bigger, it may indicate that the other person is attracted to them. This is what a University of Chicago study led by Dr. Eckhard Hess says.

12. Signs of attraction

But also: what signs do we men and women show when we feel attraction? Science has reached the following conclusions.

A man interested in a woman, usually :

  • Make eye contact more frequently
  • Smile more
  • It makes more caring behavior towards oneself. For example, putting on a tie
  • Sitting upright
  • Put shoulders back and chest out

A woman, on the other hand, performs these behaviours :

  • Smile and maintain eye contact more frequently, same as men
  • Make a slight inclination towards the person who attracts them
  • Exposes hands, neck and palms
  • Crossing and uncrossing legs
  • Performs skin care more than usual
  • Touching your hair