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Heterosexual romantic preferences: The importance of humor and physical attractiveness for different types of relationships
Author(s) -
LUNDY DUANE E.,
TAN JOSEPHINE,
CUNNINGHAM MICHAEL R.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
personal relationships
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.81
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1475-6811
pISSN - 1350-4126
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-6811.1998.tb00174.x
Subject(s) - physical attractiveness , psychology , attractiveness , romance , social psychology , sexual attraction , human physical appearance , developmental psychology , sexual behavior , psychoanalysis
This study examined the effects of expressions of humor and physical attractiveness on desire for future interaction in various types of heterosexual relationships. Humor was manipulated using interview transcripts containing humorous self‐deprecating responses: physical attractiveness was manipulated using photographs. Men were found to emphasize physical attractiveness more than did women for dating, sexual intercourse, and a serious relationship. Consistent with the Social Transformation Model of Humor introduced in this article, individuals, particularly men, expressing humor were rated as more desirable than nonhumorous individuals for a serious relationship and marriage, but only when these individuals were physically attractive. Humorous individuals were perceived to be more cheerful but less intellectual than nonhumorous individuals. The Social Transformation Model appears to be a valuable way of looking at the interaction of humor and physical attractiveness. Directions for future research based on this model are discussed.