Keywords: misattribution of arousal, arousal confusion, psychology of attraction, Dutton and Aron bridge study, two-factor theory of emotion
By Holly Batchelder, PhD
Why do certain experiences, or even certain people, feel magnetic in the moment but less compelling later? Psychology offers an explanation: our bodies’ arousal responses can trick our brains. This effect, known as misattribution of arousal (or arousal confusion), occurs when physical signs of excitement or stress are mistaken for genuine attraction, interest, or connection.
What Is Misattribution of Arousal?
According to the two-factor theory of emotion (Schachter & Singer, 1962), emotions arise from a combination of physiological arousal and the brain’s interpretation of that arousal. When your heart races, your mind searches for a cause — and sometimes assigns the wrong one.
The Classic Bridge Study
In one of the best-known demonstrations, Dutton & Aron (1974) had male participants meet a female experimenter either on a high, shaky suspension bridge (a high-arousal setting) or on a stable, low bridge (a low-arousal setting). Those on the high bridge were significantly more likely to call her afterward and produced more sexually charged responses to a storytelling task. The likely reason? Their adrenaline from the bridge was misread as attraction to the experimenter.
Modern Evidence
More recent studies show the effect goes beyond romantic attraction. For example, research on music-induced arousal found that listening to stimulating, complex music made participants rate faces as more attractive, especially women in their fertile phase (Marin et al., 2017). This reinforces that arousal from any source can spill over into how we perceive others.
Real-World Implications
Misattribution of arousal can influence many situations:
Dating and Relationships: Conflict, unpredictability, or “will-they-won’t-they” dynamics can create adrenaline that feels like romantic chemistry.
Work and Collaboration: High-pressure environments may create a false sense of closeness with colleagues.
Recreation and Adventure: Thrill-based activities can intensify perceived bonding.
Avoiding the Adrenaline Trap
Excitement isn’t the enemy; novelty and shared challenges can strengthen bonds. The key is recognizing when arousal comes from chaos rather than connection. Ask yourself:
Would I still feel this way in a calmer setting?
Is this relationship or decision grounded in shared values and trust?
Arousal is a powerful driver of human experience, but it can also cloud judgment. Whether in dating, friendship, or professional life, true connection comes from more than adrenaline; it’s built on stability, respect, and emotional safety.
If you’ve found yourself drawn into “rollercoaster” dynamics or want to better understand your attraction patterns, I offer individual therapy for relationship patterns and couples therapy for deeper connection. These sessions are designed to help you build clarity, confidence, and lasting relationship skills.
References
Dutton, D. G., & Aron, A. P. (1974). Some evidence for heightened sexual attraction under conditions of high anxiety. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 30(4), 510–517. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0037031
Marin, M. M., Gingras, B., & Stewart, L. (2017). The effect of high-arousal and low-arousal music on face attractiveness. PLOS ONE, 12(8), e0183531. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183531
Schachter, S., & Singer, J. (1962). Cognitive, social, and physiological determinants of emotional state. Psychological Review, 69(5), 379–399. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0046234