Abstract
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
Initial romantic attraction is a universal social phenomenon and can broadly be
defined as the awareness for the potential of a long-term romantic relationship or the
positive regard an individual has for another. In essence, it is the initial feelings an
individual has toward a potential mate.
Due to the significance of romantic relationships it is a well-researched topic
however, most existing studies on the topic are quantitative in nature focusing on
testing specific theories or principles. Consequently a qualitative study focusing on
the experience of initial romantic attraction would add great value in terms of
facilitating a better understanding the phenomenon. Furthermore, no qualitative
studies pertaining to initial romantic attraction have been done using South African
participants.
Initial romantic attraction starts with an awareness of a potential partner. Previous
studies have indicated that there are many different factors that influence who an
individual may be attracted to once awareness of a partner has been established.
The current study hopes to identify the factors leading to initial romantic attraction for
white heterosexual South African men.
Three white heterosexual South African men were sourced as participants. Openended
interviews were conducted with each participant. The interviews were then
transcribed verbatim and analysed according to specific descriptive
phenomenological steps. The analyses yielded central themes pertaining to initial
romantic attraction that could be organised into three broad categories namely,
personal characteristics, interpersonal characteristics and external factors. Common
personal characteristics leading to initial romantic attraction were physical
attractiveness, hair, eyes, petiteness, slim physique, cleanliness and teeth. Common
personality traits leading to initial romantic attraction were sense of humour,
confidence/independence, mysteriousness, intelligence and good conversation skills
and common interpersonal characteristics were reciprocal attraction, similarities,
contrasting qualities and eye contact. The only common external factor that led to
initial romantic attraction was novelty.It is hoped that the results of the current study will lead to a richer understanding of
the factors that lead to initial romantic attraction for white heterosexual South African
men.