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Physical Attractiveness

  1. Elaine Hatfield,
  2. Richard L. Rapson

Published Online: 30 JAN 2010

DOI: 10.1002/9780470479216.corpsy0681

Book Title

Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology

Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology

Additional Information

How to Cite

Hatfield, E. and Rapson, R. L. 2010. Physical Attractiveness. Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology. 1–2.

Author Information

  1. University of Hawaii

Publication History

  1. Published Online: 30 JAN 2010
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Physical attractiveness has been defined as “that which represents one's conception of the ideal in appearance; that which gives the greatest degree of pleasure to the senses” (Hatfield & Sprecher, 1986, p. 4).

Keywords: beauty; handsomeness; human sexuality; evolutionary psychology; facial symmetry

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