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Do Single Men Smell and Look Different to Partnered Men?
Mehmet K Mahmut1, Richard J Stevenson1
1Food, Flavor and Fragrance Lab, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Frontiers in Psychology
|March 1, 2019
Summary
Single men’s body odor (BO) smells stronger than partnered men’s. This study found women rated single men’s BO and faces as more masculine, potentially aiding mate selection.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Human Chemical Ecology
- Olfactory Communication
Background:
- Human body odor (BO) is known to convey information about kinship, health status, and genetic compatibility.
- Research links higher testosterone levels in single males to stronger-smelling BO.
- Testosterone levels are generally higher in single males compared to partnered males.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether single males' BO is perceived as stronger than partnered males' BO.
- To explore potential links between male relationship status, body odor characteristics, and facial masculinity ratings.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-two heterosexual women (aged 18-35) participated in the study.
- Participants rated the body odor (BO) and facial attractiveness of six males (aged 18-35).
- Males were categorized based on their relationship status: single versus partnered.
Main Results:
- Women rated the BO of single men as significantly stronger than that of partnered men.
- Facial masculinity ratings were higher for single men compared to partnered men.
- Findings support the hypothesis that relationship status influences BO perception and facial cues.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that human body odor can signal male relationship status.
- Stronger BO and more masculine facial features in single men may play a role in female mate choice.
- Further research can explore the evolutionary implications of these olfactory and visual signals in mate selection.
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