Functional Inferences of Mating Orientations Through Body Fat and Sex-Typical Body Features

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2022

School

Psychology

Abstract

Identifying reproductive opportunities and intrasexual rivals has necessitated the evolution of sensitivity to features diagnostic of mate value. In determining the presence of good genes through physical features, individuals may additionally infer targets’ short- and long-term mating orientations. This study tested how individuals perceive men’s and women’s orientations through physical features conducive to reproductive goals. Participants evaluated mating orientations of male and female targets varying in size of sex-typical features (i.e., muscles or breasts) and adiposity. Greater adiposity connoted long-term mating orientations. Large muscles and breasts connoted short-term mating orientations. We frame results from an affordance management framework with respect to inferences regarding parental investment and intrasexual competition.

Publication Title

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Volume

39

Issue

7

First Page

2228

Last Page

2238

Link to Full Text

Find in your library

Share

COinS