Psychology of Male Long-Term Mating Preferences

Introduction to Male Long-Term Mating Preferences

Discussion focuses on beauty perceptions, specifically body characteristics of women, and how they influence men's long-term mating preferences. Various factors contribute to these perceptions, such as cultural influences, evolutionary biology, and individual preferences shaped by personal experiences.

Importance of Body Characteristics

Female reproductive endeavors are more demanding than male fitness, leading to selective pressure on males to develop preferences that enhance reproductive success. Body characteristics can signal:

• Good genes and health, which may suggest a strong immune system capable of coping with environmental stresses.

• Femininity, which is often associated with higher estrogen levels and reproductive potential including fertility and nurturing abilities.

Males are expected to develop mating preferences (EPMs) for traits that indicate better reproductive outcomes based on these signals.

Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)

Introduced by researcher Devandra Singh in the 1990s, WHR has become a crucial metric in the evaluation of female attractiveness. Measurement involves:

• Waist circumference (narrowest part)

• Hip circumference (widest part)

WHR varies significantly:

• Between genders (males typically close to 1, females average around 0.7-0.8).

• Across developmental stages (children vs. adults).

The ratio is a critical indicator of female attractiveness, as it serves as a visual cue for genetic fitness and reproductive health.

Changes in WHR During Development

Significant changes in WHR occur during puberty due to fat redistribution:

• Fat around the abdomen decreases, while fat accumulates in the hips and legs, enhancing the WHR characteristic of adult females.

• Children (both genders) have WHR close to 0.9 pre-puberty, which normalizes after the onset of puberty.

• Adult females typically see a decrease to around 0.7-0.8, indicating maturity and an ability to bear children.

Example of percentage difference:

• A typical female WHR of 0.75 vs. a male close to 1 equates to a 30-40% difference.

WHR as an Indicator of Health and Reproductive Value

Lower WHR signals earlier puberty and higher reproductive capacity. Conversely, a higher WHR (closer to 0.9) correlates with:

• Conception difficulties and cases of infertility.

• Increased health risks (e.g., diabetes, heart diseases).

• Body shapes characterized as apple shapes (higher WHR) present higher health risks compared to pear shapes (lower WHR).

WHR Changes in Pregnancy

Pregnancy typically affects waist size, often reducing WHR as body adaptations occur to support fetal growth. Studies indicate that female sexual desire correlates with lower WHR, suggesting that a desirable waist-to-hip ratio can enhance mating potential and increase reproductive success.

Empirical Studies on WHR

Initial Studies by Singh- rating studies with line drawings

Conducted using line drawings to measure attractiveness preference based on WHR, initial studies by Singh revealed a consistent preference for lower WHR (around 0.7) regardless of overall body plumpness. These findings underscored the attractiveness of a particular body shape independent of body size.

Real-World Observations- playboy models

Subsequent studies on Playboy models showed a preference for WHR close to 0.7 over decades, reinforcing the idea that this ratio is culturally and biologically significant.

Cultural Variations in WHR Preferences

Similar findings across cultures (e.g., UK, Indonesia) highlight the universality of WHR as a marker for attractiveness. Extremes in preferences are noted in Peru and Tanzania, where preferences were less skewed towards lower WHR values, possibly indicating varying cultural values or genetic influences affecting local preferences.

Insights from Escort Ads

Research on escorts offers insights into desirability as it reflects real-world appeal:

• The average WHR of escorts calculated through publicly available measurements commonly found was around 0.7, mirroring research findings in broader populations.

Additional Attributes in Female Attractiveness

Leg Length

Longer legs are often viewed as attractive, believed to indicate better health and efficiency in movement. Research studies show that longer legs (~5% longer) were rated as more attractive through silhouette manipulation studies.

a research in china shows positive correlation between leg length and more children.

consider high heels.. as a fashion statement. why?

Body Fat Plumpness

Preferences regarding body fat and plumpness exhibit wider variability across societies. Generally, extremes (both excessively thin and plump bodies) are viewed as unattractive. However, quality signals can greatly vary depending on economic contexts:

extremes are not considered attractive in all cultures. extreme thinness or plumpness is not preferred.

• Wealthier societies may lean towards a preference for thinner bodies (suggesting lower resource needs).

• In poorer societies, a preference for fuller bodies can indicate better resource availability and health status.

Conclusion

Ongoing research is needed in areas of body characteristics and preferences, particularly focusing on evolutionary signals and their implications for mating behavior. Understanding these preferences offers valuable insights into human behavior and societal norms surrounding attractiveness and reproduction