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How music-induced emotions affect sexual attraction: evolutionary implications.

Manuela M Marin^1,2, Bruno Gingras^2,3

¹Department of Cognition, Emotion and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Frontiers in Psychology

|April 25, 2024

Summary

Music and musicality enhance sexual attraction, influencing mate choice through emotion and arousal. This review explores how music impacts perceptions of potential partners, building on Darwin's theories.

Keywords:

arousal transfer dating evolution of musicality mate choice origins of music sex appeal sexual selection social bonding

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Evolutionary Biology
Music Psychology

Background:

Charles Darwin proposed music's role in sexual attraction over a century ago.
Music profoundly impacts human emotions, thoughts, and behavior across cultures.
Musicality positively influences the evaluation of potential sexual partners.

Purpose of the Study:

Critically review empirical literature on music's effect on sexual attraction.
Investigate the mechanisms behind music's influence, including emotion and arousal.
Explore socio-biological factors and perceived musical ability in mate choice.

Main Methods:

Literature review of empirical studies on music and sexual attraction.
Analysis of behavioral methods used in music psychology research.
Integration of studies examining emotion-based and ability-based influences.

Main Results:

Music and musicality demonstrably enhance sexual attraction.
Music-induced emotion and arousal play key roles in listener responses.
Perceived musical ability and creativity positively affect partner evaluation.

Conclusions:

Music and musicality are significant factors in human mate choice.
Understanding music's influence requires considering both subjective experience and perceived skill.
Future research should further explore these socio-biological mechanisms.