Do you have it?
Isn’t it wonderful when people pay attention to you, give compliments, and call you attractive? Many go to great lengths to be in the spotlight: undergoing cosmetic surgery, trying new haircuts, buying trendy clothes, dieting, and more. But what exactly is attractiveness? Is it solely your appearance, or is there something deeper?
To find answers, let’s start with definitions. Attractiveness is the ability to draw positive attention, spark interest, joy, and a desire for repeated interaction. While this helps, scientists found this definition insufficient and dug deeper into the topic.
Initial studies revealed that several factors influence perceived attractiveness, such as facial symmetry, flirtatiousness, and self-confidence.
“In a society that values appearance, it’s important to understand the factors that influence perceptions of beauty,” wrote researchers in their study published in the British Journal of Social Psychology.
However, new research has shifted the perception of attractiveness. In an experiment involving approximately 4,192 participants, people were shown passport-style photos of individuals who were all smiling similarly, accompanied by descriptions of their characteristics. These traits included humor, intelligence, responsibility, and others. After examining the photos and descriptions, participants rated the attractiveness of these individuals.
Results from over 10 such experiments revealed a surprising finding: the most physically attractive individuals were those described as kind. Yes, kindness was the trait that made people appear the most attractive, whether through good deeds or general compassion in their interactions.
“Prosocial behavior (actions that benefit others) uniquely affects the perception of physical attractiveness due to its central role in human relationships,” stated the researchers. For a long time, the impact of kindness on physical attractiveness was underestimated and scarcely studied.
“While other traits have their advantages, this research shows that kindness influences the perception of beauty more significantly than other positive traits, such as humor or intelligence,” the research team explained. So, embrace acts of kindness, care for those around you, and become your most attractive self.