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Red and romantic behavior in men viewing women
Article first published online: 29 JUL 2010
DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.757
Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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How to Cite
Niesta Kayser, D., Elliot, A. J. and Feltman, R. (2010), Red and romantic behavior in men viewing women. Eur. J. Soc. Psychol., 40: 901–908. doi: 10.1002/ejsp.757
Publication History
- Issue published online: 15 SEP 2010
- Article first published online: 29 JUL 2010
- Manuscript Accepted: 8 MAR 2010
- Manuscript Received: 21 JAN 2010
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Abstract
In many non-human primate species, a display of red by a female increases attraction behavior in male conspecifics. In two experiments, we investigate an analogous effect in humans, specifically, whether red on a woman's shirt increases attraction behavior in men. In Experiment 1, men who viewed an ostensible conversation partner in a red versus a green shirt chose to ask her more intimate questions. In Experiment 2, men who viewed an ostensible interaction partner in a red versus a blue shirt chose to sit closer to her. These effects were observed across participants' perceptions of their own attractiveness (Experiment 1) and general activation and mood (Experiment 2). Our findings suggest that red acts as a basic, non-lexical prime, influencing reproduction-relevant behavior in like manner across species. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.