Arousal and Attraction

Many of the entries in this encyclopedia refer to specific human relationships concepts (e.g., loneliness, unconditional positive regard). In contrast, this entry reviews the influence of one concept, arousal, on another, attraction. This association merits its own entry for several reasons. The influence of arousal on attraction has been examined directly by psychologists for over 30 years. During that time, researchers have offered multiple theories to explain the link between arousal and attraction or have questioned whether arousal influences attraction at all. The association between arousal and attraction is important because it provides valuable information about romantic attraction and romantic relationship development. The association between arousal and attraction also provides a specific testing ground for broader theories of human behavior.

To understand the influence of arousal on attraction, one should first clarify the concepts of arousal and attraction. In this context, arousal refers to the experience of being in a physiologically aroused state. The exact nature of such arousal might be difficult to define precisely, but measures of physiological arousal include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and increased sweating. Researchers also measure physiological arousal by simply asking participants whether they feel physiologically aroused or alert. These measures are consistent with activation of the sympathetic [Page 111]nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action, whereas its counterpart, the parasympathetic nervous system, slows the body's functioning to allow energy conservation and recovery. Research examining arousal and attraction has incorporated a variety of methods to induce arousal, such as having participants experience fear, engage in exercise, or view sexually stimulating material.

Attraction (often called interpersonal attraction) refers to the process by which individuals form positive attitudes toward others and seek to interact with others more closely. This general concept includes more specific forms of attraction. For example, the arousal and attraction effect is most closely tied to romantic attraction—a desire to develop a nonplatonic relationship with another person. Similarly, arousal and attraction research has often required participants to rate another's physical attractiveness. Perceived physical attractiveness is clearly intertwined with romantic attraction, although individuals could conceivably evaluate others as more or less physically attractive without altering their interest in forming corresponding romantic relationships. The influence of arousal on attraction has also been examined using liking as an outcome.