| Relationship research examines what traits affect mate attraction. Green and Brock's (2000) theory of "Transportation into the Narrative World" suggests an author can immerse a reader into a narrative, and effective storytelling could be a positive influence on mate attraction by inducing effects such as excitement. The following studies examined the effect of storytelling ability on perceptions of a person's physical attractiveness, attractiveness as a casual date, as a long-term date, and as a friend. In Study 1, information about a potential mate's storytelling ability was provided. In Study 2, good and poor stories were provided to assess attraction. The results of both studies suggest that only females' attractiveness assessments of males as a long-term date increased for good versus poor storytellers. In Study 3, the results suggest that the effect of storytelling ability on long-term attractiveness for males may be mediated by perceived status of the potential mate. |
