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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Martin Tovee
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Three purported cues to perceived male physical attractiveness are the waist-to-chest ratio (WCR), body mass index (BMI) and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). This study examined the relative contribution of each cue in several socio-economically distinct populations. Ninety-five female participants from Britain and Malaysia were asked to rate a set of images of real men with known WCR, BMI and WHR. The results showed clear differences along a gradient of socio-economic development. In urban settings, WCR was the primary component of attractiveness ratings, with BMI playing a smaller role and WHR not reaching significance. In the rural setting, BMI was the primary predictor of attractiveness, with WCR playing a more minor role and WHR not reaching significance. In general, urban participants were more reliant on body shape and chose a relatively slim figure with an 'inverted triangle' shape; rural participants were more reliant on body weight and chose a heavier figure with a less triangular shape. These findings are discussed in terms of evolutionary psychological explanations of mate selection and sociological theories that emphasise the effect of resource scarcity on preferences for body shapes and sizes.
Author(s): Tovee MJ; Swami V
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Body Image
Year: 2005
Volume: 2
Issue: 4
Pages: 383-393
ISSN (print): 1740-1445
ISSN (electronic): 1873-6807
Publisher: Elsevier BV
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2005.08.001
DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2005.08.001
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