The Continuing Role of Physical Attractiveness in Marriage.

This study examines the role of physical attractiveness in marriage. It shows that the decreases in physical appearance normally associated with aging affect husbands' responses to their wives more than wives' to their husbands. Evidence is presented that the husband's sexual interest, happiness in the sexual relationship, and, to a lesser extent, unfaithfulness are affected. This differential response of husbands and wives to each others' physical decline persists in spite of age, duration of marriage, and changes in each partner's economic contributions to the marriage.

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