ePrints

The muscular male: A comparison of the physical attractiveness preferences of homosexual and heterosexual men

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Martin Tovee

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

This study examined the association between sexual orientation and the perception of men’s physical attractiveness. Twenty-seven heterosexual men and 23 gay men were asked to rate, according to physical attractiveness, a series of images of real men with known body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-chest ratio (WCR). The results showed that the WCR was the primary component of attractiveness ratings for both heterosexual and gay men. However, gay men showed a stronger preference for lower WCRs, indicating a preference for a more developed upperbody build. There were small differences in terms of preference for overall body weight, with both groups preferring an image with a BMI of about 21kg/m2. The findings are discussed in terms of gay culture, which emphasises the importance of muscularity in physical attraction.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Swami V, Tovee MJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: International Journal of Men’s Health

Year: 2008

Volume: 7

Issue: 1

Pages: 59-71

ISSN (print): 1532-6306

ISSN (electronic): 1933-0278

Publisher: Men's Studies Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3149/jmh.0701.59

DOI: 10.3149/jmh.0701.59

Altmetrics

Share