Mate selection Matt Jarvis Hodder Stoughton 2021 Mate

Mate selection Like all species, humans have to select and attract a mate. This

Scientific validity? • According to Brewer (2016) physical characteristics, e. g. perfect teeth and

It works even better naked • Some physical indicators of health become more visible

Research evidence Although there are wide cultural differences in what is perceived to be

Tattoos appear to increase perceptions of health, masculinity, dominance and aggression. From an evolutionary

The halo effect One reason first impressions matter is that attractiveness predicts judgements about

Conclusions • People do tend to base judgements of attractiveness on superficial characteristics like

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Mate selection Like all species, humans have to select and attract a mate. This may be a largely instinctive process. This is reflected in TV shows like Naked Attraction and Love Island. Hodder & Stoughton © 2021

Scientific validity? • According to Brewer (2016) physical characteristics, e. g. perfect teeth and facial symmetry, can be valid indicators of health and fertility. • This may mean that shows like Love Island have some scientific validity. Hodder & Stoughton © 2021

It works even better naked • Some physical indicators of health become more visible when naked e. g. waist-to-hip ratio. • A high waist-to-hip ratio can be an indicator of poor health. Hodder & Stoughton © 2021

Research evidence Although there are wide cultural differences in what is perceived to be an attractive body shape, Singh (1993) argues that there are some universal preferences e. g. for a waist–hip ratio of 0. 7 in women. Hodder & Stoughton © 2021

Tattoos appear to increase perceptions of health, masculinity, dominance and aggression. From an evolutionary psychology perspective, this may be because they demonstrate a robust immune system. However, before all the boys rush out and get tattoos, they have also been found to lower ratings of attractiveness and estimations of parenting ability. Hodder & Stoughton © 2021

The halo effect One reason first impressions matter is that attractiveness predicts judgements about other characteristics such as intelligence. I’m not convinced this matters to the contestants on Love Island… Hodder & Stoughton © 2021

Conclusions • People do tend to base judgements of attractiveness on superficial characteristics like facial symmetry and waist–hip ratio. • Studies show men tend to find a waist-to-hip ratio of 0. 7 attractive in women. • Tattoos affect perceptions of masculinity and attractiveness in men by both men and women. • There is a halo effect, so those judged to be attractive tend to also be seen as intelligent. Hodder & Stoughton © 2021