Physical attraction, attachment styles, and dating development

Keywords

attachment, physical attractiveness, dating, relationship formation, mate selection

Abstract

We test theoretical arguments developed by Hazan and Diamond (2000) suggesting that attachment theory presents a more parsimonious theory of mate selection than Buss’ sexual strategies theory. We hypothesized that physical attractiveness and indicators of attachment anxiety and avoidance would be related to mate choice variables (e.g., number of first dates, and the probability of entering into an exclusive relationship in a 32-week period). We used a sample (N = 242) of Latter-day Saint (LDS) young single adults. In general, our results support the idea that both physical attractiveness and attachment dimensions are important for understanding romantic relationship formation and dating processes. Physical attractiveness is generally the strongest predictor, and is more meaningful for females. Implications for theory are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Poulsen, F.*, Holman, T. B., Busby, D. M., & Carroll, J. S. (2013). Physical Attractiveness, Attachment Styles, and Dating Development. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 30(3), 301-319.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2012-10-08

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7166

Publisher

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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