The art of flirting: What are the traits that make it effective?

Menelaos Apostolou, Christoforos Christoforou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Flirting is an essential aspect of human interaction and key for the formation of intimate relationships. In the current research, we aimed to identify the traits that turn it more effective. In particular, in Study 1 we used open-ended questionnaires in a sample of 487 Greek-speaking participants, and identified 47 traits that make flirting effective. In Study 2, we asked 808 Greek-speaking participants to rate how effective each trait would be on them. Using principal components analysis, we classified these traits into nine broader factors. Having a good non-verbal behavior, being intelligent and having a gentle approach, were rated as the most important factors. Sex difference were found for most of the factors. For example, women rated gentle approach as more effective on them, while men rated good looks as more effective. Last but not least, older participants rated factors, such as the “Gentle approach,” to be more effective on them.

Original languageEnglish
Article number109866
JournalPersonality and Individual Differences
Volume158
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2020

Keywords

  • Flirting
  • Flirting effectiveness
  • Mate preferences
  • Mating
  • Sex-differences

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