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The Relationship Between Observers' Self-Attractiveness and Preference for Physical Dimorphism: A Meta-Analysis
Lijun Chen1,2, Xiaoliu Jiang1, Huiyong Fan3
1School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
Frontiers in Psychology
|December 21, 2018
Summary
Self-attractiveness is linked to preferences for sexual dimorphism, with findings moderated by relationship context, sex, and contraceptive use. This suggests evolutionary trade-offs in mate selection strategies.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Human Mating Behavior
- Sexual Selection
Background:
- Previous research indicates an association between an observer's self-perceived attractiveness and their preference for sexual dimorphism in physical traits.
- However, existing studies present inconsistent findings regarding the strength and nature of this relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis to quantitatively estimate the association between an observer's own attractiveness and their preference for sexual dimorphism.
- To explore potential moderating factors influencing this association.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across major databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar).
- Data from 25 studies, involving 6,853 participants, were included in the meta-analysis.
- Effect size and moderating effect analyses were conducted for preferences for masculinity and femininity separately.
Main Results:
- A small but significant positive correlation (r = 0.095) was found between self-attractiveness and preference for sexual dimorphism.
- Key moderators included relationship context (short-term vs. long-term), sex of observer and target, and measurement methods for self-attractiveness.
- Hormonal contraceptive use in females also influenced masculinity preference, with larger effects observed for body and voice dimorphism compared to facial features.
Conclusions:
- The meta-analysis confirms a modest link between self-attractiveness and dimorphic preferences, influenced by strategic trade-offs in mate selection (e.g., good genes, provider qualities).
- Findings align with life history strategies, indicating adaptive adjustments in mate preferences based on context.
- Measurement of attractiveness, task type, and stimuli also play a role in observed relationships.
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