Mark J. T. Sergeant

Multiple signals in human mate selection: A review and framework for integrating facial and vocal signals

Abstract Evolutionary adaptation in variable environments is likely to give rise to several signals that can be used to identify a suitable mate in multisensory organisms. The presence of multiple signals for sexual selection could be advantageous, limiting the chance of mating with a suboptimal partner and avoiding the costs of inferior progeny. Despite extensive research into isolated signals of attractiveness, the amalgamation of multiple signals in sexual selection is poorly understood, particularly in humans. Inferences regarding both the function and importance of such signals are therefore tentative unless the effects are considered together. Here, the literature regarding two evolved signals of attraction (cf. faces and voices) is reviewed in relation to a framework (Candolin 2003) for signal integration. It is argued that the functional nature of signals of attractiveness would be better studied through manipulation and experimentation with both single and multiple signals. Considering the preval...

The self-reported importance of olfaction during human mate choice

This study evaluated sex differences in the relative importance placed on olfactory cues during mate choice. To evaluate this, 151 men and 289 women completed an on-line version of the Romantic Interests Survey (RIS) (Herz & Inzlicht, 2002). Olfactory characteristics were declared to be extremely important during mate selection, more so than almost all other characteristics, but did not significantly differ between the sexes. There were significant differences concerning the odour source that individuals attend to, with greater preferences observed for a potential mates body odour as opposed to artificial fragrances they use. These findings suggest the body odour characteristics of a potential mate are perceived to be an important factor during mate choice.

Perceptions of Human Attractiveness Comprising Face and Voice Cues

In human mate choice, sexually dimorphic faces and voices comprise hormone-mediated cues that purportedly develop as an indicator of mate quality or the ability to compete with same-sex rivals. If preferences for faces communicate the same biologically relevant information as do voices, then ratings of these cues should correlate. Sixty participants (30 male and 30 female) rated a series of opposite-sex faces, voices, and faces together with voices for attractiveness in a repeated measures computer-based experiment. The effects of face and voice attractiveness on face-voice compound stimuli were analyzed using a multilevel model. Faces contributed proportionally more than voices to ratings of face-voice compound attractiveness. Faces and voices positively and independently contributed to the attractiveness of male compound stimuli although there was no significant correlation between their rated attractiveness. A positive interaction and correlation between attractiveness was shown for faces and voices in relation to the attractiveness of female compound stimuli. Rather than providing a better estimate of a single characteristic, male faces and voices may instead communicate independent information that, in turn, provides a female with a better assessment of overall mate quality. Conversely, female faces and voices together provide males with a more accurate assessment of a single dimension of mate quality.

Female perception of male body odor.

Olfaction is one of the most crucial forms of communication among nonhuman animals. Historically, olfaction has been perceived as being of limited importance for humans, but recent research has documented that not only do humans have sensitive olfactory abilities, but also odors have the potential to influence our physiology and behavior. This chapter reviews research on olfactory communication among humans, focusing on the effects of male bodily odors on female physiology and behavior. The process of body odor production and the detection of olfactory signals are reviewed, focusing on potential sex differences in these abilities. The effects of male body odors on female physiological and behavioral effects of body odors are considered. Finally, with specific regard to female mate choice, evidence regarding the influence of the major histocompatibility complex and fluctuating asymmetry on male olfactory cues is reviewed.

Social dominance and sexual orientation

Heterosexual males are reported to display higher levels of physical aggression and lower levels of empathy than homosexual males. A characteristic linked to both aggression and empathy is social dominance orientation (SDO). A significant sex difference has been reported for SDO, with heterosexual males scoring higher than heterosexual females. The precise relationship between dominance and aggression is currently contested. Given the association between SDO, aggression and empathy, and the differences between heterosexual and homosexual males, an analysis of how sexual orientation co-varies with SDO might help to clarify the association between aggression and dominance. SDO scores were derived from heterosexual males ( n = 60), heterosexual females ( n = 60) and homosexual males ( n = 60). Heterosexual males reported higher levels of SDO than heterosexual females and homosexual males, while heterosexual females scored higher than homosexual males. These differences were analogous for physical aggression. More work is required to thoroughly understand the aetiology of these effects as well as the strategic value of the behaviours, but for now we have reason to further investigate the organizational hormone hypothesis put forward in this paper.

Two more things for consideration: Sexual orientation and conduct disorder

We add to Archers review with mention of sexual orientation differences in aggression and empathy, which suggest a biological basis for the mediating role of empathy. We also note that Archers view of sex differences will illuminate discussion of conduct disorder which can only be of help to researchers in this field.

The Influence of Sexual Orientation on Human Olfactory Function

Sexual orientation influences human olfactory function. Following a brief review of the biological basis of homosexuality, this chapter explores exactly how olfactory function varies as a result of sexual orientation. Three separate areas of research are considered: recent studies on the neural processing of social odorants by heterosexuals and homosexuals; the influence of sexual orientation on the production and perception of body odours; and the influence of female sexual orientation on menstrual synchrony.