HETEROSEXUAL ROMANTIC PREFERENCES - THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMOR AND PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF RELATIONSHIPS

This study examined the effects of expressions of humor and physical a ttractiveness on desire for future interaction in various types of het erosexual relationships. Humor was manipulated using interview transcr ipts containing humorous self-deprecating responses; physical attracti veness was manipulated using photographs. Men were found to emphasize physical attractiveness more than did women for dating, sexual interco urse, and a serious relationship. Consistent with the Social Transform ation Model of Humor introduced in this article, individuals, particul arly men, expressing humor were rated as more desirable than nonhumoro us individuals for a serious relationship and marriage, but only when these individuals were physically attractive. Humorous individuals wer e perceived to be more cheerful but less intellectual than nonhumorous individuals. The Social Transformation Model appears to be a valuable way of looking at the interaction of humor and physical attractivenes s. Directions for future research based on this model are discussed.