Beauty and the Flirt: Male Physical Attractiveness and Approaches to Relationship Initiation
Issue Date
2008-05Author
Hall, Jeffrey A.
Cody, Michael J.
Jackson, Grace
Flesh, Jacqueline O.
Type
Presentation
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This multi-study investigation explored how women evaluate men’s approach strategies. In Study 1,
330 participants generated 546 verbal strategies used in courtship initiation. Strategies were rated
on three dimensions that define relationships: affiliation, dominance, and explicitness. Affiliation
and explicitness were related to strategy flirtatiousness. In Study 2, 361 females participated in an
experiment that explored the effects of four approach strategies used by an attractive or
unattractive man on conversation continuance and future interaction. Attractive men using inviting,
playful, and less annoying messages were most successful. Study 3 (N = 398) replicated Study 2
using different approach strategies, and also demonstrated male attractiveness, affiliation and
explicitness inform message flirtatiousness and influence courtship outcomes. Results suggest
approach strategy, but not male attractiveness, influence perceived first date goals.
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Citation
Hall, J. A., Cody, M. J., Jackson, G., & Flesh, J. O. (May 2008). Beauty and the flirt: Attractiveness and opening lines
in date initiation. Paper presented at the International Communication Association Conference in Montreal,
Canada.
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