Moderate
alcohol consumption increases attractiveness
University of Bristol, Science
Daily
Consuming alcohol (equivalent to about a glass of wine) can make
the drinker appear more attractive than when sober, according to new research
from the University of Bristol.
However, the effect disappears when more is
consumed.
The volunteers were presented with images depicting an
individual photographed while sober and after consuming either the equivalent
of 250ml of wine or the equivalent of 500ml of wine. They were then asked to
rate which of the two images was more attractive.
Photographs of individuals who had consumed the equivalent of a
single glass were rated as more attractive than photographs of sober
individuals. However, this was not the case for photographs of individuals who
had consumed more than the equivalent of a glass.
This change in attractiveness is presumably driven by changes in
appearance. The researchers suggest that vasodilation associated with alcohol
consumption could lead to an increase in facial flushing, which is perceived as
healthy and attractive. Low doses of alcohol may also result in an increase in
positive mood that is apparent in subtle smiles and more muscle relaxation.
Understanding the mechanisms through which alcohol influences
social behaviour, including factors that may impact on the likelihood of
engaging in risky sexual behaviour, is important if we are to develop
evidence-based public health messages, the researchers said.
Story
Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by University of Bristol. Note: Materials may be edited for
content and length.
Journal
Reference:
J. Van Den Abbeele, I. S. Penton-Voak, A. S. Attwood, I. D.
Stephen, M. R. Munafo. Increased
Facial Attractiveness Following Moderate, but not High, Alcohol Consumption. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2015;
DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agv010
Cite
This Page:
University of Bristol. "Moderate alcohol consumption
increases attractiveness." Science
Daily, 9 March 2015.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150309211523.htm>.