What Is Physical Attraction?

Physical attraction refers to the fact that an individual finds another person appealing, says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University. "It is a physical energy that is the result of the chemistry between two people."

Physical attraction is often instant, and it can contribute to feelings of excitement, increased energy levels, and a craving for physical connection upon seeing someone for the first time. Instant physical attraction and the ensuing emotional response contribute to what people call "love at first sight."

Why Physical Attraction Is Important

Physical attraction is often the first thing to grab our interest when we are looking for potential partners. For example, when you’re scrolling through profiles on a dating app, the first thing you probably look at is the person’s picture.

If they seem attractive to you at first glance, you may explore their profile further and then decide whether you want to communicate with them; however, if their picture doesn’t pique your interest in that split second, you probably move on to the next one.

Similarly, when you enter a room, such as a restaurant, bar, office, or conference room, you probably do a quick scan of the room. If someone seems physically attractive to you, your eyes may linger on them, or keep going back to them, and you may find yourself interested in what they’re doing or saying.

Factors That Contribute to Physical Attraction

These are some of the factors that play a role in physical attractiveness:

• Facial features: According to a 2015 study, facial features and facial symmetry are the most important determinants of physical attractiveness.
• Physical dimensions: Research studies also show that apart from facial features, other anthropometric factors such as physical dimensions and ratios play a role in physical attractiveness as well.
• Facial expressions: The face typically plays the most important part in social interaction, making facial expressions another important component in physical attractiveness, according to a 2021 study. For instance, the study notes that smiling signals intelligence and trustworthiness and increases physical attractiveness.
• Non-visual cues: A 2015 study shows that other non-visual cues such as voice and scent also contribute to physical attractiveness.

Evolutionary Factors

Evolutionary psychology has a controversial theory about physical attractiveness. It suggests that since physical attractiveness helps people attract mates, evolutionary factors play a role in what people consider attractive.

Evolutionary psychology studies note that certain physical features and dimensions are considered physically attractive since those are desirable qualities in a mate from a biological and reproductive standpoint. Such characteristics include:

• Youthfulness
• Physical health
• Mental and emotional well-being
• Strength
• Fertility

For instance, evolutionary psychology studies conclude that a body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) within a particular range of those scales may be considered more attractive than a BMI or WHR outside those ranges.

According to evolutionary researchers, this is because having too much body fat is associated with negative health outcomes such as heart disease, diabetes, and restricted movement, whereas not having enough muscle and body fat is linked to a lack of strength and reduced fertility and child-bearing ability.

Sociocultural Factors

Factors such as society, culture, and historical period can also play a role in determining what’s considered attractive and unattractive. In other words, if a culture favors certain body types over others, these preferences can affect individuals.

For instance, they may pursue a BMI that is below what is considered healthy, to meet sociocultural standards of size.

One study found that participants perceived women with low and physiologically unhealthy BMIs as more attractive compared to women with healthy BMIs. Another study found that participants from urban areas thought images of women with lower BMIs were more attractive compared to participants from rural areas who felt women with higher BMIs were more attractive.

Signs of Physical Attraction

Physical attraction is characterized by physiological changes in the body, such as a release of the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, says Romanoff.

"Attraction also activates the orbitofrontal cortex of the brain, which is the part of your brain that processes sensory rewards," Romanoff explains. These physiological changes can trigger emotional and behavioral changes.

These are some of the signs of physical attraction, according to Romanoff:

• Smiling when around the person
• Maintaining prolonged eye contact with them
• Feeling nervous at the prospect of interacting with them
• Unconsciously mirroring their body movements, expressions, speech, and postures
• Having reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping
• Feeling unsteady, ecstatic, and animated

Physical Attraction and Relationships

Physical attraction is an important component in romantic relationships. It is often the starting point of relationships, helping people connect with each other and build an emotional attachment.

Physical attraction also helps people maintain relationships. According to a 2015 study, being physically attracted to one’s partner is linked to greater marriage satisfaction and longevity.

However, healthy relationships shouldn’t be based on physical attraction alone. Couples should have a strong and widespread foundation for their relationship—this includes an alignment of values, goals, and priorities, says Romanoff.

"If partners are not connected in these other realms, their physical attraction might not be able to sustain a more serious relationship," she explains.