FEMALE JUDGMENT OF MALE ATTRACTIVENESS AND DESIRABILITY FOR RELATIONSHIPS - ROLE OF WAIST-TO-HIP RATIO AND FINANCIAL STATUS

Two studies were conducted to examine the role of male body shape (as defined by waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) in female mate choice. In Study 1 , college-age women judged normal-weight male figures with WHR in the typical male range as most attractive, healthy, and possessing many po sitive personal qualities. In Study 2, 18-69-year-old women rated norm al-weight male figures with differing WHRs and purported income for ca sual (having coffee) to most-committed (marriage) relationships. All w omen, regardless of their age, education level, or family income, rate d figures with WHRs in the typical male range and higher financial sta tus more favorably. These findings are explained within an evolutionar y mate selection context.