Affiliative terms as a linguistic tool for improving perceptions of out-group members?

Abstract

The present research examined how men and women with long and short term mating preferences perceive static male nonverbal behavior. Participants saw images of interacting men depicting different degrees of: space maximization, reciprocated/non-reciprocated intrasexual touch, gesticulation patterns of gesture/no gesture and palm up/neutral gestures, head cant (tilt), automanipulations, and open/closed limb positioning. They had to choose which of the 2 men was most attractive, and more flirtatious. We hypothesized that men in each dyad who displayed more: space maximization, non-reciprocated intrasexual touch, palm up gesturing, head cants (tilts), auto-manipulations, and open limb positioning would be rated as most attractive and more flirtatious. The results were consistent with the hypothesis. Specifically, men: exhibiting: palm up gesturing, open limb positioning, touch initiation, being a non-reciprocated touch recipient, auto manipulations in the hair area and neutral head positioning were rated as most attractive. Also, men exhibiting: palm up gesturing, open limb positioning, touch initiation, space maximization, automanipulations in the hair area, and a head cant(tilt) were rated as more flirtatious. Findings are discussed in terms of male self-presentational motives, and prior research.