| dc.description.abstract | Previous research on human mate preferences has found
that individuals, especially males, regard physical
attractiveness as a very important attribute in
potential mates. In contrast, humour, which has also
been found to be important, has received scant
attention. This study looked at the effects of
physical attractiveness and humour on the desire for
future interaction in increasingly intimate
heterosexual relationships. Physical attractiveness
and humour were manipulated using photos of oppositesex
stimulus persons and interview transcripts,
respectively. Given that physical attractiveness has
been associated with other desirable traits, and that
humour may be associated with positive traits such as
intelligence and social confidence, subjects'
perceptions of the stimulus persons were also assessed
through a person-perception questionnaire of socially
desirable and undesirable personality traits. Males
were found to emphasize high physical attractiveness
more than females for sex, dating, and a serious
relationship. Humorous individuals were rated as more
desirable than nonhumorous individuals for a serious
relationship and marriage, but only when these
individuals were physically attractive; Physically
attractive individuals were perceived to be more Virtuous (loyal, loving, sincere, passionate, and
forgiving) than physically unattractive individuals,
and humorous individuals were perceived to be less
Ornery (humourless, noncheerful, prejudiced, narrowminded,
cold, and hostile) than nonhumorous
individuals. | |
