Handsome Wants as Handsome Does: Physical Attractiveness and Gender Differences in Revealed Sexual Preferences

Abstract

In this article I evaluate the effect of physical attractiveness on young adults' sexual and romantic outcomes to reveal gender differences in acted preferences. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a probability sample of young adults (n = 14,276), I investigate gender differences in desired sexual partner accumulation, relationship status, and timing of sexual intercourse. I find gender differences in sexual and romantic strategies consistent with those predicted by the double standard of sexuality and evolutionary theory. Specifically, compared to men, women pursue more committed relationships, fewer sexual partners, and delayed sexual intercourse.

Impact of Pregnancy on the Sex Life of Women: State of the Art

“…Also regarding cultural aspects, Chinese women did not show changes in sexual desire [17] and women that had negative body image before pregnancy improved their self-perception with the progression of gestational age [20]. Previous studies had already reported that body image is a predictor of sexual satisfaction in women [12] and that sexual dysfunction is associated with a negative body image [24], with appearance being an important component of the human sexual experience [36].…”

“…For example, Brody (2004) found that slimmer people more frequently engaged in vaginal intercourse in late adolescence through middle age. Among young men, a composite measure of attractiveness based on researcher and self-reports is also positively associated with number of sexual partners (Bogaert & Fisher, 1995;McClintock, 2011). In addition, more attractive people may enjoy lasting benefits in their relationships.…”

“…There are a number of potential reasons why physical attractiveness matters for intimate relationships. First, attractiveness facilitates sexual activity, which is important for intimate relationships (Bogaert & Fisher, 1995;Margolin & White, 1987;McClintock, 2011). In addition, biological evolutionary theories argue that "attractive" traits signal reproductive and genetic fitness as well as general good health (Buss & Schmitt, 1993).…”

“…Physical appearance – specifically perceived attractiveness – has been shown across contexts to be a salient determinant of the social patterning of sexual relations ( Agnew and Thompson 1994 ; Dijkstra, Buunk, and Blanton 2000 ; McClintock 2011 ; Zaikman et al 2016 ). In Western settings, research shows that perceived attractiveness influences sexual relations, as well as sexual risk behaviors, through two distinct processes.…”

“…Among the factors potentially driving a positive relationship between women’s attractiveness and HIV risk are differences in women’s sexual behavior. In the United States, women who are perceived to be more attractive tend to have sex more frequently ( Agnew and Thompson 1994 ; Kelley 1978 ) and have a higher total number of sexual partners compared to average or unattractive people ( McClintock 2011 ). One possible mechanism underlying this association between physical attractiveness and sexual activity is that women who are actively seeking to attract men may invest more time and money in their appearance.…”

Your Face is Your Fortune: Does Adolescent Attractiveness Predict Intimate Relationships Later in Life?

“…For example, Brody (2004) found that slimmer people more frequently engaged in vaginal intercourse in late adolescence through middle age. Among young men, a composite measure of attractiveness based on researcher and self-reports is also positively associated with number of sexual partners (Bogaert & Fisher, 1995;McClintock, 2011). In addition, more attractive people may enjoy lasting benefits in their relationships.…”

“…There are a number of potential reasons why physical attractiveness matters for intimate relationships. First, attractiveness facilitates sexual activity, which is important for intimate relationships (Bogaert & Fisher, 1995;Margolin & White, 1987;McClintock, 2011). In addition, biological evolutionary theories argue that "attractive" traits signal reproductive and genetic fitness as well as general good health (Buss & Schmitt, 1993).…”

Physical attractiveness and women’s HIV risk in rural Malawi

“…Physical appearance – specifically perceived attractiveness – has been shown across contexts to be a salient determinant of the social patterning of sexual relations ( Agnew and Thompson 1994 ; Dijkstra, Buunk, and Blanton 2000 ; McClintock 2011 ; Zaikman et al 2016 ). In Western settings, research shows that perceived attractiveness influences sexual relations, as well as sexual risk behaviors, through two distinct processes.…”

“…Among the factors potentially driving a positive relationship between women’s attractiveness and HIV risk are differences in women’s sexual behavior. In the United States, women who are perceived to be more attractive tend to have sex more frequently ( Agnew and Thompson 1994 ; Kelley 1978 ) and have a higher total number of sexual partners compared to average or unattractive people ( McClintock 2011 ). One possible mechanism underlying this association between physical attractiveness and sexual activity is that women who are actively seeking to attract men may invest more time and money in their appearance.…”