Sexual attraction

Causes and characteristics

Multiple factors shape sexual attraction. Biological components include hormones, neural pathways associated with reward and arousal, and sensory cues; psychological elements include personality, past experiences and individual preferences. Social and cultural norms shape which traits are considered attractive in a given time and place. Researchers often examine how attraction, desire and arousal overlap but remain conceptually separable. For discussion of biological and environmental influences see related research summaries.

Contexts and diversity

Across species sexual attraction can serve reproductive goals and broader social functions. In some non-human primates and other mammals, sexual behaviors act also as social signals that reduce tension or strengthen bonds rather than only achieving reproduction; see studies of primate social sexuality at this source. In humans, patterns of attraction vary widely: many people are attracted to the opposite sex, the same sex, more than one sex, or experience little to no sexual attraction (asexuality). Attraction can be fluid over a lifetime.

Common cues that influence attraction include:

• Visual appearance and body language
• Olfactory signals and pheromonal cues
• Vocal qualities and verbal interaction
• Shared values, personality traits and social status

It is important to distinguish sexual attraction from sexual behavior and from consent: feeling attracted to someone does not justify acting on that attraction without mutual agreement. Social attitudes, legal frameworks and ethical norms govern behavior arising from attraction. For resources on human sexual diversity and orientation, see additional materials.