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Female reproductive strategy predicts preferences for sexual dimorphism in male faces

Bibliographic Data

ID12938799
AuthorsFhionna R Moore (0000-0001-9463-3148, Abertay University, corresponding author), Miriam Law Smith (University of St Andrews), Clare Cassidy (0000-0002-3088-1721, University of St Andrews), David I Perrett (0000-0002-6025-0939, University of St Andrews)
Year2009
Volume7
Issue3
Pages211-224
Publication date2009-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Evolutionary Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1789-2082 • E-ISSN: 2060-5587
PublisherAkadémiai Kiadó (PUBLISHER • HU)
DOI10.1556/jep.7.2009.3.2
OpenAlexW2041810286
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited40

The aim of the current studies was to test an assumption that variation in female preferences for sexually dimorphic male facial characteristics reflects strategic optimisation of investment in offspring. A negative relationship was predicted between ideal number of children and preferences for masculine male face shapes, as the benefits of securing paternal investment should outweigh the benefits of securing good genes as the costs of raising offspring increase. In Study 1 desired number of children and preferences for masculine face shapes were compared in a sample of female students. In study 2, the prediction was tested in a sample with a wider age profile while controlling for relationship status. Preferences for explicit partner characteristics were also assessed. The prediction was supported: women who desired a higher number of children preferred more feminine male face shapes and ranked cues to investment of parental care over cues to immunocompetence in a partner more highly than those who desired fewer children. Results indicate that female mate preferences vary with reproductive strategy and support assumptions that preferences for feminine male faces reflect preferences for “good dads”

Biology · Developmental psychology · Face (sociological concept · Investment (military · Mate choice · Mating · Offspring · Parental investment · Paternal care · Politics · Pregnancy · Sample (material · Sexual dimorphism · Sexual selection · Zoology · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Demography · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works1
Citations per year0,07
Citation span2012 - 2012 (1)
Citation velocityhistorical
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 1

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