Understanding Attractiveness: Safeguarding Against Poor Mating Choices
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Chapter 1: The Science of Attractiveness
Facial attractiveness, often seen as influenced by cultural or individual preferences, exhibits a notable level of consistency across various populations.
In my research on facial beauty, particularly in the study 'The Biology of Facial Beauty', it was found that men from diverse ethnic backgrounds consistently rate women with clear skin, symmetrical features, and average facial characteristics as more attractive. These traits are indicators of good health and genetic diversity (Fink & Neave 2005). Neuroimaging studies show that when men view attractive women, their brain's reward centers become activated (Buss 2019). This suggests that the appeal of certain facial features in potential partners has been ingrained in our neural systems over evolutionary history due to the reproductive advantages they confer.
Section 1.1: Gender-Specific Preferences
In the studies 'How Feminine Are These Women' and 'How Masculine Are These Men', participants evaluate the femininity and masculinity of various face pairs. Each participant's ratings culminate in an average score for the ten faces they deemed most and least feminine or masculine on a scale of one to seven. Research indicates a strong positive correlation between facial averageness and attractiveness, possibly reflecting genetic or phenotypic quality (Buss 2019). Conversely, deviations from this average might indicate genetic mutations or environmental vulnerabilities (Buss 2019).
The preference for average features may have evolved due to their association with genetic diversity, which is beneficial for resisting parasites (Fink & Neave 2005). Additionally, my findings show that the composite of my most feminine selections has darker skin compared to the least feminine, aligning with studies suggesting that facial lightness is negatively correlated with attractiveness while saturation is positively linked (Fink & Neave 2005).
Section 1.2: The Role of Skin Color and Facial Features
A significant study, 'Visible Skin Color Distribution Plays a Role in the Perception of Age, Attractiveness, and Health in Female Faces', involved photographing 170 British women, controlling for age-related features. Participants assessed the biological age and attractiveness of these images, focusing on youthfulness and health indicators (Fink, Grammer, Matts 2006). The results indicated a strong positive relationship between the perceived biological age and the skin color distribution, with younger faces receiving higher attractiveness ratings due to their homogeneous skin tone.
Additionally, the composite of my most feminine selections exhibited fuller lips, which correlate with estrogen-related fat distribution (Fink & Neave 2005). This fat plays a crucial role in fetal development, while a lower waist-to-hip ratio is evolutionarily favorable.
Chapter 2: Masculine Traits and Their Appeal
The facial composite of my most masculine selections features more hair, pronounced eyebrows, a wider distance between the eyes, and thinner lips, all indicative of higher testosterone levels. These traits are associated with dominance, a quality that may provide advantages in social contexts (Buss 2019). Interestingly, a woman's stage in her menstrual cycle influences her perception of male attractiveness; those nearing ovulation tend to favor more masculine features (Fink & Neave 2005).
The first video titled "Gabor Mate: The Childhood Lie That's Ruining All Of Our Lives" explores how early experiences shape our perceptions and relationships. It underscores the importance of understanding our backgrounds in addressing current issues.
Section 2.1: Voice Attractiveness and Social Dynamics
The studies 'Female Voice Attractiveness' and 'Male Voice Attractiveness' presented participants with various pitch dyads. Younger women typically have higher-pitched voices, which change during ovulation (Buss 2019). Women often disparage competitors by labeling them as promiscuous, leveraging men's desire for fidelity to safeguard resources in long-term partnerships.
Moreover, women prefer deeper male voices, which convey maturity and strength. Interestingly, men often unconsciously lower their voice pitch when speaking to a perceived attractive woman, signaling their genetic fitness (Buss 2019).
The second video titled "Matthew Hussey ON: How to Get Over Your Ex & Find True Love in Your Relationships" provides insights into moving on from past relationships and fostering healthy connections, which aligns with the themes of attraction and mate selection discussed.
Section 2.2: Trustworthiness and Mating Strategies
In 'Which Is More Trustworthy', participants evaluated male and female faces for trustworthiness. The results indicated that more feminine features were associated with higher trust ratings (65% for women and 63% for men). Men often view women with masculine traits as less trustworthy, potentially due to their higher testosterone levels.
Choosing feminine partners appears advantageous for men, as these women tend to have reproductive success with less uncertainty regarding paternity. Feminine male faces also signal potential for fatherhood, making them appealing long-term partners, except in contexts where pathogen stress is high.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Buss, D. (2019). Evolutionary psychology: The new science of the mind. New York, NY: Routledge.
Fink, B., & Neave, N. (2005). The biology of facial beauty. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 27, 317–325.
Fink, B., Grammer, K., & Matts, P.J. (2006). Visible skin color distribution plays a role in the perception of age, attractiveness, and health in female faces. Evolution and Human Behavior, 27, 433–442.