How much do you really know about attraction?
“With precision and no small wit – I found myself frequently laughing out loud – the author explores the four key factors that shape the formation of most relationships: proximity, appearance, reciprocity and similarity. As he shows, studying attraction or relationships scientifically, far from destroying the magic and mystery of it all, can actually be helpful, whether you aspire to be lover or friend. He also satisfyingly nails my biggest bête noir: that "treat ‘em mean" is any sort of relationship advice.”
– Suzie Hayman, agony aunt, relationship counsellor, accredited TripleP (Positive Parenting Programme) parenting educator, broadcaster and author.
We’ve all done it at some point – read a self-help book, a glossy magazine or looked to a ‘pick-up artist’ for relationship advice – especially as Valentine’s Day approaches. Yet, the modern-day myths of attraction we’ve grown accustomed to, such as ‘treat ‘em mean to keep ‘em keen’, often have no basis in fact and are often rooted in misogyny. In Attraction Explained, Viren Swami debunks these myths and draws on cutting-edge research to provide ground-breaking and evidence-based accounts of relationship formation.
“There’s no real evidence that studying attraction scientifically makes it any less enthralling,” explains the author. “In fact, a scientific approach to attraction and relationships often raises new questions that need answering, uncovering mystery among everyday or mundane behaviour.”
There is one simple idea at the core of this book: there are no ‘laws of attraction’ and no foolproof methods or strategies for getting somebody to date you, let alone into bed with you. Instead, Attraction Explained looks at how factors such as geography, appearance, personality, and similarity affect who we fall for and why.
“The science of attraction and relationship formation can’t guarantee you a date tonight” jokes Viren, “but it can point the way towards forming mutually benefitting relationships with other people.”
Engaging and easy to read, Attraction Explained shows how we form relationships any why we shouldn’t resort to common-sensical beliefs in our search for love.
– ENDS –
About the Author:
Viren Swami is Professor of Social Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK. He is an international expert on attraction and body image, and has written and edited several books on these topics. He is also the founder of Plug In Your Brain, a public engagement initiative to promote the wider understanding of psychology.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
For more information, or to request a review copy, please contact:
(UK/Europe/ROW) Helen Clements, Senior Marketing Manager, Routledge
Tel: +44 (0) 207 017 76044 | Email: Helen.Clements@tandf.co.uk
(North and South America) Julia Gardiner, Marketing Manager, Routledge
Tel: +1 (917) 351-7165 | Email: Julia.Gardiner@taylorandfrancis.com
When referencing the book, please include: Attraction Explained by Viren Swami, published by Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group).
*Learn more about Attraction Explained at: https://www.routledge.com/products/9781138937031
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