Height as related to self-perceived mate value and attractiveness.

Abstract

A study among 66 couples from Santiago, Chile examined the association between objectively assessed height and self-reports of mate value and attractiveness. In addition, assortative mating for these variables was assessed. There was some evidence for assortative mating: Although there was no correlation between the height of both partners, there were significant correlations for attractiveness and mate value. Men were taller than women, but there was no evidence for the male-taller norm. Among women, mate value and especially attractiveness were higher as they were taller, with a slight dip in mate value among women of medium height. Among men, only attractiveness was higher as they were taller. Discrepancies and similarities with previous research are discussed. Public Significance StatementA study among couples in Chile showed that couples tend to be similar in how attractive they consider themselves to individuals of the opposite sex. Taller men and women considered themselves more attractive than short men and women.

Effect of Self-reported Height on Occupational Rank Among Police Officers: Especially for Women it Pays to be Tall

“…First, as women are shorter than men are, given the importance of having a kind of natural authority and physical strength as a police officer when dealing with the public, in the selection and promotion, more-though not necessarily conscious-attention may be paid to women's height. Second, although there is evidence that women of medium height may feel they are most popular with the opposite sex (Stulp et al, 2013c), the present research fits with the evidence that taller women tend to be more career oriented (Deady & Smith, 2006; see also Buunk et al, 2019). Given the emphasis on affirmative Fig.…”

[Published] - Social Utilitarianism in Digital Interactions and Distant Worlds

“…Stated differently, the ideal height of women's and men's avatars was consistent with heteronormative mate preferences for height in which the boyfriend/husband is taller than the girlfriend/wife (Buunk et al, 2019;Courtiol et al, 2010;Griffiths, 2017;Jonason et al, 2013;Kurzban & Weeden, 2005;Pawlowski, 2003;Pierce, 1996;Salska et al, 2008;Skrinda et al, 2014;Sorokowski et al, 2015;Stephen & Perera, 2014;Taduran, 2021;Valentova et al, 2014;Wood & Carden, 2014;Yancey & Emerson, 2014). It is also consistent with the species-level norm that men are taller than women (on average) in every human population (Eveleth, 1975;Mark, 2014;Wall-Scheffler, 2012).…”

Human height preferences as a function of population size in the Cook Islands and Norway

“…In contrast to earlier biological perspectives on human mating that suggested an inconsequential role of body size in marriage selection (Galton, 1886; see Stulp, Simons, Grasman, & Pollet, ), the current state of the art suggests the opposite—an important role of human height in self‐presentation (Mailhos, Buunk, & del Arca, ), self‐assessed mate value (Buunk, Fernandez, & Muñoz‐Reyes, ; Griffiths, Murray, Medeiros, & Blashill, ), attractiveness ratings and partner preferences (Shepperd & Strathman, ; Sorokowski et al, ; Stulp et al, 2013b; Yancey & Emerson, ; Valentova, Bártová, Štěrbová, & Varella, ), and mate choice (Frederick & Jenkins, ; Sohn, ; Stulp, Pollet, Verhulst, & Buunk, ; Tao, ; Tao & Yin, ). These studies indicate that in general, at least in western societies, relatively tall men and women within an average range are typically judged as most attractive by individuals of the opposite‐sex (see also Stulp & Barrett, for review).…”