Why Are People Attracted To Sexual Attraction

In class we discuss the possible reasons why we may be attracted to certain people. The first reason is affect. Affect is when we tend to like people who make us feel good. Another reason could be propinquity. Propinquity effect is people are more likely to start a relationship with those who are geographically close to them. The fourth reason could be similarity. Assortative mating falls under similarity, which means people tend to match themselves with partners who are similar. However, there isn’t any link to similarity leading to a successful and stable relationship.
People who are physiologically aroused when meeting people may lead them to higher attraction. Neurochemical Factors may also play a role in sexual attraction. Higher levels of dopamine enhance attraction and higher levels of serotonin decrease attraction. The last possible factor is physical attractiveness. While most people have individual preferences, attractive people are seen as likeable, interesting, successful, etc. Men tend to value attractiveness over women.

Evolutionary theory are adaptations from our ancestors that are still present today, which are survival and reproduction. In regards to unequal parental investment, men benefit from one-night stands with fertile women. Women however benefit from long-term relationships with reliable men. In a study done by Clark and Hatfield, male and female undergraduates were randomly asked by a research assistant if they would go to bed with them. While 0% of the females said yes, 75% of the men said yes. A criticism of the evolutionary theory is what we say isn’t what we always do. Another criticism is this theory has trouble explaining sexual