Judging a Book by Its Cover The Connection Between Physical Traits and Psychology

Face. Body. Voice. Hands. Sex. Infidelity. Mental Health. Our bodies tell a story. The study of human physical traits, particularly those that drive human perceptions of attractiveness, has yielded intriguing evidence linking physical and behavioral phenomena. This growing body of research, particularly in evolutionary psychology, shows that people's physical appearance may give us clues about their attitudes and behaviors. The physical features of someone whom we may find attractive (or unattractive) can be indicative of sexual behavior, fertility, and competitiveness. Even beyond attraction, there are body traits that can predict mental health, competitiveness, and musical ability. Characteristics typically examined for a physical and behavioral connection include face, waist, hips, and shoulders; sound and scent; and even fingers and toes. Research psychologists Dr. Marissa Harrison and Dr. Susan Hughes review the science of attractiveness and document interesting details of this convincing, yet often controversial, research. Though geared towards an academic audience, Harrison and Hughes offer an enjoyable presentation without sacrificing science.