Objective We sought to examine perceived nervous reactions when first interacting with a particularly attractive person/potential romantic partner. From a theoretical standpoint, we cogitate on the possible adaptive nature of these reactions that appear seemingly counterproductive for future mating success. Methods We documented 280 participants’ retrospective self-reports of experiencing a variety of physiological, vocal, and behavioral reactions during an initial encounter with a person they found highly attractive. We also asked participants to rate the reactions of others that they used to determine if another person was attracted to them. Results Participants reported most frequently experiencing increased attentiveness, smiling, staring, heart rate, giggling/laughter, blushing, and difficulty concentrating during this first encounter. Both sexes reported speaking faster and being less able to express themselves clearly, and women reported using a higher pitch and having a more unsteady tone of voice during an initial encounter of attraction. Further, participants reported observing similar nervous reactions by others whom they perceived were attracted to them. These findings were examined while considering individual differences in sociosexual orientation (i.e., propensity toward uncommitted sex), self-perceived mate value, empathy, and gender. Conclusions Participants reported that they did, indeed, experience a cluster of anxiety-related physiological and behavioral reactions during an initial encounter with someone they found highly attractive. Although appearing nervous and awkward during an initial encounter with an attractive other may seem counterproductive for future mating success, we discuss potential adaptive functions for displaying these responses.

中文翻译：

---

初始吸引过程中的感知神经反应及其潜在的适应性价值

目的我们试图检查在首次与特别有魅力的人/潜在的浪漫伴侣进行互动时的感知神经反应。从理论上讲，我们对这些反应的可能适应性进行了思考，这些适应性似乎对未来的交配成功适得其反。方法我们记录了280名参与者的回顾性自我报告，这些自我报告是在与他们非常有吸引力的人初次接触时经历的各种生理，声音和行为反应。我们还要求参与者对他人用来确定是否吸引其他人的反应进行评分。结果参与者报告说，在初次见面时，最经常出现注意力不集中，微笑，凝视，心跳加快，咯咯笑/笑，脸红和难以集中注意力的情况。男性和女性报告说说话速度更快，表达清晰的能力较弱，女性报告说在初次接触时使用较高的音调和较不稳定的语气。此外，参与者报告观察到其他被他们吸引的人也有类似的神经反应。在考虑个人在社会性别倾向（即对未成年性的倾向），自我感知的伴侣价值，同情心和性别方面的差异时，对这些发现进行了检查。结论参与者报告说，在与他们发现极具吸引力的某人初次接触时，确实确实经历了一系列焦虑相关的生理和行为反应。