Anomalous face overgeneralization hypothesis

• Proposes that the attractiveness halo effect is a by-product of reactions to low fitness.
• People overgeneralize the adaptive tendency to use low attractiveness as an indicator of negative traits, like low health or intelligence,
• mistakenly use higher-than-average attractiveness as an indicator of high health or intelligence.

Attractiveness halo effect

The tendency to associate attractiveness with a variety of positive traits, such as being more sociable, intelligent, competent, and healthy.

Good genes hypothesis

Proposes that certain physical qualities, like averageness, are attractive because they advertise mate quality—either greater fertility or better genetic traits that lead to better offspring and hence greater reproductive success.

Mere-exposure effect

• The tendency to prefer stimuli that have been seen before over novel ones.
• There also is a generalized mere-exposure effect shown in a preference for stimuli that are similar to those that have been seen before.

Morph

A face or other image that has been transformed by a computer program so that it is a mixture of multiple images.

Prototype

A typical, or average, member of a category. Averageness increases attractiveness.

Active-constructive responding

Demonstrating sincere interest and enthusiasm for the good news of another person.

Capitalization

Seeking out someone else with whom to share your good news.

Relationship bank account

An account you hold with every person in which a positive deposit or a negative withdrawal can be made during every interaction you have with the person.

Self-expansion model

Seeking to increase one’s capacity often through an intimate relationship.

Proximity

Physical nearness.

Functional distance

The frequency with which we cross paths with others.

Mere-exposure effect

The notion that people like people/places/things merely because they are familiar with them.

Perceived social support

A person’s perception that others are there to help them in times of need.

Received social support

The actual act of receiving support (e.g., informational, functional).

Support support network

The people who care about and support a person.