| dc.description.abstract | Physical characteristics are visually salient information that display an insight into a potential mate's immunocompetence, status, and reproductive potential (Djikstra & Bunk, 2001; Dixson, Grimshaw, Ornsby, & Dixson, 2014; Lasek & Gaulin, 2009; Singh, 1994). In men, characteristics such as a v-shaped torso and body hair are often a desired characteristic by women because it displays men's upper body strength and hormonal levels. Recently, the use of eye tracking in attraction research has demonstrated that visual patterns are behavioral indices of interest to a potential mate. Two studies investigated visual perception of men's attractiveness across different phases of the menstrual cycle (i.e., Low vs. High Fertility). In study 1 (N = 83), men with low (0.7) waist to chest ratios were rated as more attractive, and women focused most of their visual attention to the upper region of the body (i.e., head & midriff). Study 2, (N = 44) replicated the findings from study 1 and found support for visual differences across the menstrual cycle using progesterone. Women viewed the head region (i.e., face) longer and took more time viewing men in general during the fertile phase of their menstrual cycle (low progesterone) compared to the non-fertile phase (high progesterone). The findings add to the existing literature on visual perception and attraction, and they contribute new findings in determining differences in visual perception across the menstrual cycle in women. | |
